In the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,830. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The localized nature of the food service industry often ties compensation directly to the economic vitality and consumer spending power of the immediate community.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,460 individuals in these roles and a Location Quotient of 0.95, the job market for food preparation and serving occupations in South Central Tennessee is stable and closely mirrors national concentration levels. The presence of 84.295 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these services, suggesting a robust employment landscape for those entering or established in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-19.8%below the national average.
$13.9
$554
$2,403
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 have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory, even if modest, is typical as the cost of labor and consumer prices evolve, ensuring that wages attempt to keep pace with the changing economic environment.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While specific percentile data is absent, the expected salary range widens considerably with experience, with senior roles commanding higher compensation due to increased responsibility, skill, and leadership. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of career advancement opportunities and earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,830 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,623 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,570 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,038 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $39,040 | $18.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,830 in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while nominal earnings are lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national benchmark, offering a balanced financial standing.
Job Market Context
9,460
Total Jobs
84.295
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.95x 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 0.95 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced competitive environment for job seekers and employers alike. The demand is present and aligns closely with national employment patterns for this sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,830. This typically ranges from $18,830 for entry-level positions to $39,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 19.8% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $28,830 is notably lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($33,750) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 9,460 in these roles suggests a substantial pool of talent and a significant presence of these jobs within the region, indicating consistent demand and employment opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.95 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.95 means that the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in South Central Tennessee is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and proportionate job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the $28,830 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (the national average), the $28,830 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms than the national salary average.
Are there significant career growth opportunities in this field locally?
While specific data isn't provided, the presence of 84.295 jobs per 1,000 workers and a stable Location Quotient suggests ongoing opportunities for advancement, with experience typically leading to higher earning potential.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,460 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 84.295 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 South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area