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Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Tucson, AZ

In Tucson, AZ, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $38,040. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The specific economic landscape and demand within Tucson contribute to this favorable compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,040 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,340.
  • Outlook: Tucson boasts a substantial workforce of 36,310 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, with 94.094 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.07 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, pointing to a robust and stable job market with consistent demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,040

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tucson, AZ earns+5.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.3

Weekly

$732

Monthly

$3,170

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tucson typically sees significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the potential for substantial career advancement and increased earning power.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,850$14.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,530$13.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$33,900$16.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,550$22.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$50,340$24.2

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,040

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,040

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $38,040 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Tucson for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations holds its purchasing power effectively. This means that the salary earned in Tucson offers a comparable standard of living to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for these workers.

Job Market Context

36,310

Total Jobs

94.094

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Tucson, AZ has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.07 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tucson indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. This suggests a healthy, slightly more competitive market where employers may need to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent, while also providing ample opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

Comparing salaries near Tucson, AZ

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Tucson, AZ?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tucson, AZ is $38,040. This typically ranges from $29,850 for entry-level positions to $50,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 5.8% higher than the national median of $35,960.

Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Yes, Tucson offers competitive compensation for these roles.The average salary of $38,040 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good purchasing power.

Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tucson, AZ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ ($36,240) and others.

How does Tucson's salary for Food Prep compare to the national average?

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tucson earn an average of $38,040 annually, which is higher than the national average of $35,960.

What is the job market like for Food Prep workers in Tucson?

Tucson has a robust job market for these roles, with a substantial workforce and a slightly higher concentration of jobs compared to the national average, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 1.07.

Does the cost of living in Tucson affect the value of the salary?

No, Tucson's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $38,040 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

Can experience significantly increase salary in Tucson's Food Prep industry?

Yes, career progression and experience are key drivers for salary increases in this field, with senior roles commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 36,310 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 94.094 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.