In Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $29,410. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor demands of this region. Factors such as local industry concentration and the cost of doing business often influence these localized pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,530.
- Outlook: The Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area supports a significant workforce of 15,730 individuals in food preparation and serving roles. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these services. The presence of approximately 80.017 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these essential roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area earns-18.2%below the national average.
$14.1
$566
$2,451
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact segment in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for food preparation and serving roles, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and attract talent.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, career progression is typically marked by increasing salary levels. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks, supervisors, and managers command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the value placed on accumulated skills, experience, and leadership responsibilities, offering a clear path 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) | $18,410 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,058 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,360 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,763 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,530 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,410 in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas 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 income is effectively equivalent to the national average, as everyday expenses are not inflated beyond the norm.
Job Market Context
15,730
Total Jobs
80.017
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Southern Indiana 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 present in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas at a level very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the demand for these roles is consistent with the overall employment landscape, neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, providing a stable environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $32,660↑ 11% | 8 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,720↑ 4% | 43 mi |
| Columbus, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,310↓ 0% | 48 mi |
| Bloomington, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,860↑ 5% | 49 mi |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,150↑ 3% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is $29,410. This typically ranges from $18,410 for entry-level positions to $38,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 18.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $29,410 is significantly 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 Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN ($32,660) and Kokomo, IN.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for food service roles?
The concentration of food preparation and serving jobs in Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas is nearly on par with the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.91, suggesting a stable and comparable job market.
What is the average number of food service jobs per 1,000 workers in this region?
There are approximately 80.017 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within Southern Indiana's nonmetropolitan areas.
Does experience significantly impact salary in this field in Southern Indiana?
Yes, experience is a key driver of salary progression, with senior roles and management positions typically earning considerably more than entry-level positions, reflecting increased skills and responsibility.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of the average salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the real value of the $29,410 average salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch similarly to what they would nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,730 employees in the Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 80.017 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 Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area