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Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

In the vibrant Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $36,460. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a subtly stronger local market. Factors such as regional demand, tourism, and the overall economic landscape of the area likely contribute to this favorable compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,450.
  • Outlook: The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater region boasts a substantial workforce of 140,190 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.1, this sector is slightly more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a robust and established job market with consistent demand for these roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,460

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL earns+1.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.5

Weekly

$701

Monthly

$3,038

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement and increased income as one gains experience and skills.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$25,850$12.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,345$13.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$32,100$15.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,575$21.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$49,450$23.8

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,460

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,460 in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is directly comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral in terms of everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

140,190

Total Jobs

97.197

Per 1K Jobs

1.1

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.10, Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.1 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater signifies that this sector is 10% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a slightly more competitive environment for job seekers, as the industry plays a significant role in the local economy.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $36,460. This typically ranges from $25,850 for entry-level positions to $49,450 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 1.4% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, it offers slightly above-average compensation.The average salary of $36,460 is higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living is on par, indicating good earning potential relative to expenses.

Is Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($33,580) and North Florida nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Tampa food service job market compare to the national average?

The job market in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.1, suggesting a robust presence of these roles.

What is the average salary for food preparation roles in Tampa?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is $36,460.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the Tampa salary?

No, the local Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average, meaning the $36,460 salary has equivalent purchasing power.

How many people work in food preparation in the Tampa area?

There are approximately 140,190 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140,190 employees in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area with a job density of 97.197 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.