In the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,690. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this Louisiana corridor. The cost of living in this area is on par with the national average, making the salary differential a key consideration for workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,900.
- Outlook: The Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA region supports a substantial workforce of 12,330 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a location quotient of 1.39, this sector is notably more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these services within the local economy. The high number of jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the significance of this industry in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA earns-25.8%below the national average.
$12.8
$513
$2,224
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area, suggesting that compensation for these roles has likely seen a modest upward trajectory, aiming to keep pace with broader economic shifts.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically sees a significant 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 roles can command substantially higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain experience and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,080 | $7.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,018 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,380 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,363 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,900 | $18.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,690 in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to this area for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations role does not present an immediate disadvantage in terms of cost of living, though the lower salary itself warrants careful financial planning.
Job Market Context
12,330
Total Jobs
122.425
Per 1K Jobs
1.39
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.39, Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA 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 1.39, the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA market exhibits a higher concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this sector is more robust and potentially more competitive than in other regions. The abundance of these roles, as indicated by the location quotient, implies a strong demand and a significant presence of these occupations within the local economic landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,950↑ 8% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,020↓ 3% | 43 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,620↑ 3% | 44 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,880↓ 3% | 74 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,540↓ 4% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is $26,690. This typically ranges from $15,080 for entry-level positions to $37,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is 25.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $26,690 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. The job market is concentrated, but this does not translate to higher pay in this specific sector.
Is Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($28,950) and Hammond, LA.
How does the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is $26,690, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
The Cost of Living Index for Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical US city.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area?
These jobs are more concentrated in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.39, suggesting a higher prevalence of these roles locally.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations in the region?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA comprises 12,330 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,330 employees in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area with a job density of 122.425 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Management Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA