In Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $33,980. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,960, a difference that can often be attributed to the specific economic drivers and local demand within the region. Factors such as tourism seasonality and the prevalence of specific types of food service establishments play a significant role in shaping compensation in this vibrant coastal community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,550.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, appears robust, with a substantial local workforce of 11,110 individuals. The location quotient of 1.43 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and consistent demand for skilled food service professionals within the area. This concentration points to a dynamic sector that actively employs a significant portion of the local labor pool.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL earns-5.5%below the national average.
$16.3
$653
$2,832
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Panama City is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and inflation. The food service industry, particularly in tourist-driven areas like Panama City, often sees wage adjustments to attract and retain staff, especially during periods of economic expansion and increased consumer spending.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL
Career progression within 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, kitchen managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement, with senior roles potentially earning significantly more than their less experienced counterparts, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,485 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,670 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,475 | $20.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,550 | $22.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,980 in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of goods, services, and housing is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical American experience. Therefore, relocating to Panama City for this role offers a cost-of-living neutral financial outlook compared to the national average.
Job Market Context
11,110
Total Jobs
126.427
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL 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 1.43, Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, exhibits a notable concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in this area is more specialized and potentially more competitive for these roles than the average U.S. city. Employers may find a deeper pool of qualified candidates, while job seekers benefit from a market that actively seeks out their skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $36,700↑ 8% | 69 mi |
| Dothan, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,240↓ 23% | 72 mi |
| Tallahassee, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,510↓ 4% | 82 mi |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,890↓ 0% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL is $33,980. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $47,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL is 5.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $33,980 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. While the job market shows a higher concentration of these roles, it doesn't translate to substantially higher pay.
Is Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL ($36,700) and Dothan, AL.
How does the total local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A total local workforce of 11,110 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations indicates a substantial presence of these jobs, suggesting a consistent demand and a healthy number of available positions within the Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL area.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.43 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.43 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 43% more concentrated in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, than the national average, indicating a stronger local market demand for these roles.
How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the salary?
An index of 100 means the cost of living in Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, is exactly average nationally. Therefore, the $33,980 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local expenses.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers in this field in Panama City?
With 126.427 jobs per 1,000 workers, Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL, has a high density of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, suggesting ample employment opportunities relative to the overall workforce size.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 11,110 employees in the Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL area with a job density of 126.427 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 Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL