In the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, a disparity often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local job market. The unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions can shape compensation structures differently compared to larger urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,410.
- Outlook: The food preparation sector in North Central Tennessee is robust, employing 11,190 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.09, this region shows a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for food service professionals within the local economy. The significant number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance of this sector to the area's employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-19.5%below the national average.
$13.9
$557
$2,412
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 North Central Tennessee have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles within this sector, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and labor demands.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation as experience and expertise are gained.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,170 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,705 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,610 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,175 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,410 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,940
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,940 in North Central Tennessee aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national average, as the expenses for goods and services are also at the national benchmark. Therefore, the take-home pay effectively balances with the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
11,190
Total Jobs
96.541
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, North Central Tennessee 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 1.09, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in North Central Tennessee is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that these roles are a somewhat more integral part of the local employment fabric compared to the nation as a whole, potentially indicating a competitive yet stable environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,940. This typically ranges from $19,170 for entry-level positions to $38,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 19.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,940 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($33,750) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
The total local workforce of 11,190 in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations suggests a substantial presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand and a healthy number of opportunities within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.09 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 9% more concentrated in North Central Tennessee than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher reliance on or prevalence of these jobs in the local economy.
How does the cost of living affect the $28,940 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $28,940 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses for essentials are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the US.
What are the career growth prospects for food service workers in this area?
While the average salary is modest, career progression from entry-level to senior roles typically leads to higher earnings, with percentile gaps reflecting opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility within the sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,190 employees in the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 96.541 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 North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area