In the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $24,980. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of this locale. The lower average pay is often influenced by a combination of local demand, cost of doing business, and the overall economic structure of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,260.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of 7,310 individuals. The location quotient of 1.03 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly above the national average, indicating a steady demand and a presence of established opportunities within the region's service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area earns-30.5%below the national average.
$12
$480
$2,082
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries within the food preparation and serving sector have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving consumer demand. This trend is likely reflected, to some extent, in the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area, contributing to gradual increases in average earnings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in 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 roles requiring more experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities command higher compensation. The variance in salaries across different experience levels, often visible through percentile data, signifies clear pathways for career advancement and increased earning capacity within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,330 | $8.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,735 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,350 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,225 | $15 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,260 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,980 in the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is comparable.
Job Market Context
7,310
Total Jobs
90.985
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.03, the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area exhibits a concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations that is just slightly higher than the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where the occupation is neither significantly overrepresented nor underrepresented, suggesting a competitive but accessible environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,970↑ 8% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is $24,980. This typically ranges from $17,330 for entry-level positions to $35,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is 30.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $24,980 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($26,970) and others.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 7,310 in this sector suggests a substantial pool of potential employees and a consistent demand for food preparation and serving roles within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.03 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient slightly above 1.0 indicates that these jobs are marginally more concentrated here than nationally, suggesting a stable, albeit not booming, job market for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $24,980 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning local expenses are neither unusually high nor low.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in this area?
Yes, as in most fields, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting career growth.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,310 employees in the Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 90.985 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 Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area