In the Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $24,160. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, a disparity often influenced by regional economic factors and the cost of doing business in less urbanized settings. The local economic landscape shapes compensation for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,980.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,260 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, the sector demonstrates a stable presence. The location quotient of 0.96 suggests that this occupation group is nearly as concentrated as the national average, indicating a consistent demand that aligns with broader industry trends. This robust workforce size and near-average concentration point to a steady job market for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-32.8%below the national average.
$11.6
$465
$2,013
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Louisiana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and adjustments to minimum wage laws typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for service industry roles, reflecting an evolving labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain expertise and take on more complex roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,790 | $7.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,120 | $8.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,150 | $10.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,200 | $14.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,980 | $16.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $24,160 in Northeast Louisiana 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 is comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are not inflated beyond the norm.
Job Market Context
5,260
Total Jobs
84.644
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.96x 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.
The location quotient of 0.96 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Louisiana indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the occupation is neither significantly overrepresented nor underrepresented compared to the rest of the country, implying a competitive yet accessible employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,030↑ 8% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,360↑ 13% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,980↑ 8% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $24,770↑ 3% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,020↑ 8% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $24,160. This typically ranges from $15,790 for entry-level positions to $33,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 32.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $24,160 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($26,030) and Baton Rouge, LA.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northeast Louisiana?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $24,160.
How does the Northeast Louisiana salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Northeast Louisiana ($24,160) is considerably lower than the national average ($35,960).
What is the Cost of Living Index in Northeast Louisiana?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Louisiana is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this region?
The concentration of these jobs, measured by the location quotient, is 0.96, indicating it's very close to the national average concentration.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,260 employees in the Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 84.644 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 Louisiana nonmetropolitan area