In the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,290. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,310.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,830 individuals in this sector, and a Location Quotient of 0.81, the job market for food preparation and serving roles in Northwest Alabama is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these positions within the region's economic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-26.9%below the national average.
$12.6
$506
$2,191
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments, though likely at a pace influenced by local economic conditions.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps clearly indicating the financial rewards of advancing through the ranks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,450 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,718 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,490 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,863 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,310 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,290 in Northwest Alabama 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, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's value.
Job Market Context
4,830
Total Jobs
71.813
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.81x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are present in Northwest Alabama at a rate slightly below the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist, but the concentration of roles is not exceptionally high, implying a balanced supply and demand dynamic.
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↑ 5% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,470↑ 12% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,880↑ 10% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,960↑ 6% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,620↑ 1% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $26,290. This typically ranges from $18,450 for entry-level positions to $35,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 26.9% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative area compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,290 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage impacts overall earning potential.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($27,710) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local workforce size affect job availability?
A local workforce of 4,830 in this sector suggests a substantial pool of talent and a consistent presence of these jobs within the region's economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.81 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in Northwest Alabama than the national average, suggesting moderate competition and availability.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $26,290 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in this area?
With 71.813 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a notable presence of these roles, indicating consistent demand within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,830 employees in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 71.813 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 Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area