In the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $25,810. This figure falls notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized roles compared to more urbanized areas. The local job market dynamics significantly influence compensation levels for these positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,390.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,350 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 0.76, the job market in Southwest Alabama indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a major hub for this sector, the presence of nearly 68 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-28.2%below the national average.
$12.4
$496
$2,151
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage legislation, and evolving consumer demand for food services.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, career progression typically sees entry-level positions starting at lower percentiles of the salary range, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized culinary roles command salaries in the higher percentiles. The significant salary gap between the lowest and highest earners signifies clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential through skill development and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,030 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,358 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,200 | $11.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,263 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,390 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,810 in Southwest Alabama for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 within the region is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by lower local expenses.
Job Market Context
4,350
Total Jobs
67.275
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.76x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.76 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Alabama indicates that this sector is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market may not be as saturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals, but also implying a smaller overall job pool compared to national benchmarks.
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↑ 7% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,470↑ 14% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,880↑ 12% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,960↑ 8% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,620↑ 3% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $25,810. This typically ranges from $18,030 for entry-level positions to $35,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 28.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $25,810 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($27,710) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Alabama is $25,810, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Southwest Alabama compared to the nation?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is neither higher nor lower than the national standard.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in this region?
The Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are less concentrated in Southwest Alabama compared to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for these roles locally?
There are approximately 4,350 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Southwest Alabama 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 4,350 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 67.275 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area