Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
In Lexington-Fayette, KY, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $30,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific economic conditions and industry concentration in Lexington-Fayette contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,100.
- Outlook: The Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is substantial, employing 26,060 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these roles in the local workforce is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and perhaps slightly growing demand for these services within the region. This suggests a robust job market for those entering or already established in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-14.6%below the national average.
$14.8
$591
$2,560
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lexington-Fayette, KY, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving wage standards likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in average earnings for these roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while extensive experience, specialized skills, and supervisory roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased income as professionals gain expertise and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,800 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,040 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,500 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,400 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,100 | $21.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,720 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard. Consequently, the $30,720 salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the national average.
Job Market Context
26,060
Total Jobs
92.112
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Lexington-Fayette, KY, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.04 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, indicating a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy presence of these roles within the local economy, implying a competitive yet accessible market for job seekers. The abundance of jobs relative to the national average points to consistent opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $30,720. This typically ranges from $17,800 for entry-level positions to $45,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 14.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,720 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($26,800) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the total workforce size impact job prospects?
With 26,060 individuals employed in these roles, the large workforce size in Lexington-Fayette, KY, indicates a significant industry presence, suggesting consistent demand and numerous job opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.04 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.04 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly more prevalent in Lexington-Fayette, KY, than the national average, implying a stable job market with good opportunities.
How does experience affect salary in this field in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Experience is a key driver of salary growth, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or specialized roles commanding significantly higher compensation, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
Is the cost of living a major factor for Food Preparation workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average, meaning the $30,720 salary provides a standard of living equivalent to the national average, making it a neutral factor in financial well-being.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 26,060 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 92.112 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY