In Southwest Louisiana's nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $23,920. This figure significantly trails the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized or economically diverse areas. The localized pay structure is a direct consequence of the area's specific economic landscape and industry concentration.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 6,000 individuals in this sector, and a Location Quotient of 0.85, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Louisiana is slightly less concentrated than the national average. While not indicating a booming demand, the substantial workforce size suggests a stable presence of these roles, implying consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-33.5%below the national average.
$11.5
$460
$1,993
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. This growth, however, is likely influenced by local wage pressures and the overall economic health of Southwest Louisiana, potentially lagging behind national salary increases.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field in Southwest Louisiana, career progression typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain expertise and take on more complex roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,440 | $7.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,940 | $8.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,910 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,900 | $14.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,760 | $16.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $23,920 in Southwest Louisiana 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 standard, as local expenses for goods and services are not inflated.
Job Market Context
6,000
Total Jobs
74.908
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 0.85x 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 0.85 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Louisiana indicates that this sector is slightly less prevalent in the region compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where the supply of workers may be relatively balanced with the demand, but it doesn't point to an oversaturation or a significant shortage of talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,030↑ 9% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $27,360↑ 14% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $25,980↑ 9% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $24,770↑ 4% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $26,020↑ 9% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Louisiana 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 Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $23,920. This typically ranges from $15,440 for entry-level positions to $33,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 33.5% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area.The average annual salary of $23,920 is substantially lower than the national average, despite a Cost of Living Index that matches the national average.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($26,030) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $23,920, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Southwest Louisiana compared to the nation?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, meaning local expenses are neither higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation job market in this region?
The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.85.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
With 74.908 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric suggests a moderate presence of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles within the local workforce relative to the total population.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,000 employees in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 74.908 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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area