In the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,030. 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.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,660 individuals in this sector and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the job market in Southeast Alabama for food preparation roles is stable and closely mirrors national concentration levels. The presence of approximately 80.64 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-27.6%below the national average.
$12.5
$501
$2,169
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Alabama have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and efforts to attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. While exact figures vary, the percentile gaps in salary distribution signify the earning potential as one gains experience, acquires new skills, and takes on greater responsibilities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,990 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,523 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,620 | $11.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,538 | $15.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,610 | $16.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,030 in Southeast 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 equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the value of this salary.
Job Market Context
6,660
Total Jobs
80.639
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Southeast Alabama 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Southeast Alabama compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
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↑ 6% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,470↑ 13% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,880↑ 11% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,960↑ 7% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,620↑ 2% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast 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 Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $26,030. This typically ranges from $17,990 for entry-level positions to $34,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 27.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,030 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is comparable.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($27,710) and Birmingham, AL.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Alabama?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Alabama is $26,030.
How does the Southeast Alabama salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Southeast Alabama ($26,030) is lower than the national average ($35,960).
What is the Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in Southeast Alabama compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.91 indicates that these jobs are slightly less concentrated in Southeast Alabama than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,660 employees in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 80.639 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 Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area