In the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $26,680. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960. Such a disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, including the cost of doing business and the overall demand for specialized culinary and service roles within this specific geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,330.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Alabama is substantial, with a local workforce of 11,760 individuals. The concentration, measured by a Location Quotient of 0.88, indicates that this sector is slightly less prevalent than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated employment landscape. With 77.652 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand remains consistent, providing a solid foundation for employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-25.8%below the national average.
$12.8
$513
$2,223
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche occupation in Northeast Alabama is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic recovery and inflation. Increases in the cost of living and a persistent demand for food services likely contribute to incremental wage adjustments, aiming to keep local compensation competitive within the regional context.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While exact figures vary, experienced professionals often command higher wages, reflecting their acquired skills, efficiency, and potential for leadership or specialized culinary expertise. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,470 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,010 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,720 | $11.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,350 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,330 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,680 in Northeast Alabama aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to this area for this occupation does not present an immediate advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living versus salary.
Job Market Context
11,760
Total Jobs
77.652
Per 1K Jobs
0.88
Location Quotient
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.88x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Alabama is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and provides employment, it is not a dominant industry sector within the region. This moderate concentration implies a balanced job market, neither overly competitive nor exceptionally abundant, offering steady opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,710↑ 4% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,470↑ 10% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,880↑ 8% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,960↑ 5% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,620↓ 0% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $26,680. This typically ranges from $18,470 for entry-level positions to $35,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 25.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $26,680 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($27,710) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Alabama is $26,680, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in this area?
There are 11,760 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Is the concentration of these jobs higher or lower than the national average?
The concentration of these jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.88, is slightly lower than the national average of 1.0.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,760 employees in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 77.652 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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area