Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
In New Orleans-Metairie, LA, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as specific industry demands and labor supply, play a significant role in compensation within this vibrant culinary city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,520.
- Outlook: The New Orleans-Metairie area boasts a substantial workforce of 49,430 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.27, this sector is more concentrated locally than the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for these roles within the region's thriving hospitality scene.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-19.5%below the national average.
$13.9
$557
$2,413
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 New Orleans-Metairie have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and evolving consumer demand for dining experiences likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, such as head chefs or kitchen managers, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available through skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,520 | $7.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,713 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,670 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,188 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,520 | $21.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,950 in New Orleans-Metairie 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 this income locally is equivalent to the national standard, making the financial aspect of living in New Orleans comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
49,430
Total Jobs
112.023
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, New Orleans-Metairie, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.27 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in New Orleans-Metairie signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand is strong enough to support a larger proportion of these roles within the local economy, offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,690↓ 8% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,020↓ 10% | 44 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,620↓ 5% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,880↓ 11% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,360↓ 5% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $28,950. This typically ranges from $15,520 for entry-level positions to $44,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 19.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $28,950 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($26,690) and Hammond, LA.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for food preparation roles?
The local job market in New Orleans-Metairie is more concentrated with Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.27, suggesting a higher demand relative to the national average.
What is the average salary for food preparation jobs in New Orleans-Metairie?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in New Orleans-Metairie is $28,950.
How does the cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie is 100, which is the national average. This means the $28,950 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
Are there many jobs available for food preparation workers in New Orleans-Metairie?
Yes, with 112.023 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 49,430 in this sector, there is a significant presence and availability of food preparation jobs in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 49,430 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 112.023 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA