SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Louisiana

In Louisiana, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $26,960. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within the state.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $26,960 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,610.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 183,500 individuals in these roles, and a Location Quotient of 1.09, the demand for food preparation and serving staff in Louisiana appears robust and slightly above the national concentration. This indicates a stable and potentially growing job market for these occupations within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$26,960

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Louisiana earns-25.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13

Weekly

$518

Monthly

$2,247

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Louisiana

Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Louisiana typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$15,180$7.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,220$9.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$23,570$11.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$33,700$16.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,610$18.6

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$26,960

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,304

Adjusted for COL (92)

The average annual salary of $26,960 in Louisiana needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 92. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living can help to offset this difference, potentially offering a comparable or even improved purchasing power for residents.

Job Market Context

183,500

Total Jobs

95.995

Per 1K Jobs

1.09

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.09, Louisiana has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

Louisiana's Location Quotient of 1.09 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are a relatively important component of the state's economy, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Louisiana is $26,960. This typically ranges from $15,180 for entry-level positions to $38,610 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Louisiana is 25.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Louisiana a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, Louisiana is not a particularly lucrative state for these roles compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,960 is significantly below the national average of $35,960. However, the lower cost of living index of 92 does offer some financial advantage.

Is Louisiana a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Louisiana?

Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($26,030) and Baton Rouge, LA.

How does Louisiana's average salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Louisiana is $26,960, which is $9,000 less than the national average of $35,960.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation jobs in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a Location Quotient of 1.09 for these occupations, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Louisiana?

With a Cost of Living Index of 92 (100 being the national average), Louisiana offers a lower cost of living, which can make the $26,960 salary more manageable than it might appear relative to higher-cost states.

What is the total workforce size for these roles in Louisiana?

There are approximately 183,500 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Louisiana.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 183,500 employees in the Louisiana area with a job density of 95.995 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.