Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Mississippi
In Mississippi, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $26,440. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's labor market for these roles. The lower average pay is a common characteristic in areas with a lower cost of living and different industry concentrations.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,720.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 110,820 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, Mississippi demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.08 indicates that this field is slightly more concentrated in Mississippi than the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for these services within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Mississippi earns-26.5%below the national average.
$12.7
$508
$2,203
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Mississippi have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for earnings in this sector within the state.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Mississippi
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Mississippi typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals and those in supervisory or specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as individuals gain more experience and skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,610 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,830 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,250 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,050 | $15.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,720 | $17.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,496
Adjusted for COL (86.7)
The average annual salary of $26,440 in Mississippi for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is significantly impacted by the state's Cost of Living Index of 86.7. This index, which is 13.3% lower than the national average, suggests that the nominal salary, while lower, may offer a comparable or even improved purchasing power for residents compared to higher-paying states with a substantially higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
110,820
Total Jobs
95.558
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Mississippi has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Mississippi's Location Quotient of 1.08 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates a market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that jobs in this field are relatively more common in Mississippi, potentially leading to a competitive environment for job seekers but also signifying a robust and established presence of these roles within the state's economy.
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↑ 2% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Mississippi
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Mississippi is $26,440. This typically ranges from $17,610 for entry-level positions to $36,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Mississippi is 26.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Mississippi a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but cost of living offers some balance.The average salary of $26,440 is considerably lower than the national average. However, Mississippi's lower cost of living index of 86.7 helps to mitigate the impact of the lower nominal wages.
Is Mississippi a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 86.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Mississippi?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jackson, MS ($26,970) and others.
How does Mississippi's average salary for food prep jobs compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Mississippi is $26,440, which is substantially lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the concentration of food prep jobs in Mississippi compared to the rest of the US?
Mississippi has a Location Quotient of 1.08 for these occupations, indicating that the field is slightly more concentrated in the state than the national average.
How many food prep jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Mississippi?
There are approximately 95.56 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Mississippi.
Does the cost of living in Mississippi affect the real value of food prep salaries?
Yes, Mississippi's Cost of Living Index is 86.7, meaning that the lower average salary of $26,440 may offer better purchasing power than it appears when compared to the national average cost of living.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110,820 employees in the Mississippi area with a job density of 95.558 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 Mississippi