In the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $30,540. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The lower average salary is often a consequence of differing costs of doing business and the overall wage structure prevalent in less urbanized areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,940.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Missouri is substantial, with a total local workforce of 14,090 individuals. The location quotient of 0.97 suggests a concentration of these roles that is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these services within the region. This robust presence within the local economy points to a resilient job market for these essential positions.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area earns-15.1%below the national average.
$14.7
$587
$2,545
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 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions, leading to incremental increases in average compensation across the sector.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, salary progression is closely tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions typically command the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can achieve significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,580 | $12.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,905 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,820 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,175 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,940 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,540 in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area 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, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
14,090
Total Jobs
85.968
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x 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 0.97, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is nearly as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a healthy and competitive labor market where the number of available positions is well-balanced with the number of workers in the field, suggesting neither an oversupply nor a significant shortage of labor.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,950↑ 1% | 10 mi |
| Columbia, MO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,910↑ 4% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Missouri 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 Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is $30,540. This typically ranges from $25,580 for entry-level positions to $36,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 15.1% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $30,540 is notably lower than the national average of $35,960. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($30,950) and Columbia, MO.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
The local workforce of 14,090 for these roles indicates a significant presence, suggesting a stable demand for food preparation and serving staff within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.97 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.97 means the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, implying a balanced job market with consistent opportunities.
How does experience affect salary in this field in Southeast Missouri?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases, with entry-level positions offering lower pay and senior or specialized roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting career progression.
Is the cost of living a significant factor for this salary?
The cost of living index being 100 means that the $30,540 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in terms of affordability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,090 employees in the Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 85.968 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 Missouri nonmetropolitan area