In the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,090. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business contribute to this pay differential. The local market dynamics for these roles are distinct from those in larger metropolitan hubs.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,240.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Central Kentucky is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating a presence close to the national average. Supporting a workforce of 13,860 individuals in this sector, the region offers approximately 80.7 jobs per 1,000 workers. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-27.4%below the national average.
$12.6
$502
$2,174
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations across the U.S. have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend likely extends to South Central Kentucky, though the pace of increase may differ from national averages.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this field clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential for dedicated individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,810 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,568 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,490 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,613 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,240 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,090 in South Central Kentucky 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 this salary is comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
13,860
Total Jobs
80.715
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.91x 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 0.91, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Central Kentucky is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and relevant to the local economy, it is not disproportionately dominant compared to other sectors when viewed on a national scale, indicating a balanced level of competition and opportunity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,720↑ 18% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,340↑ 9% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,450↑ 21% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,930↑ 30% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $26,090. This typically ranges from $17,810 for entry-level positions to $35,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 27.4% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $26,090 is significantly lower than the national average, despite the cost of living being on par with the national average.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($30,720) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Central Kentucky is $26,090, which is substantially lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in South Central Kentucky?
The Cost of Living Index for South Central Kentucky is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the typical U.S. location.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations job market in this area?
The job market is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.91, indicating that this sector is present at a level very close to the national average prevalence.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations locally?
There are 13,860 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,860 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 80.715 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 South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area