Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
In Tuscaloosa, AL, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,880. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Tuscaloosa influence compensation levels for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,540.
- Outlook: Tuscaloosa's food preparation sector demonstrates a solid presence, with a total local workforce of 10,460 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled food service professionals within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-19.7%below the national average.
$13.9
$555
$2,407
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tuscaloosa have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of modest wage increases driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The percentile gaps in earnings, though not detailed here, generally signify the value placed on experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,140 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,660 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,540 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,880 in Tuscaloosa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
10,460
Total Jobs
96.523
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Tuscaloosa, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, Tuscaloosa exhibits a job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles, indicating that the market is neither oversaturated nor significantly lacking in opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tuscaloosa, AL is $28,880. This typically ranges from $19,140 for entry-level positions to $38,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 19.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, but it is average.While the average salary of $28,880 is below the national average, the cost of living in Tuscaloosa is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($29,470) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Tuscaloosa's food prep job market compare to the national average?
Tuscaloosa's job market for food preparation roles is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.09, indicating a stable demand.
What is the average salary for food preparation jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tuscaloosa, AL is $28,880.
How does the cost of living in Tuscaloosa affect the salary?
Tuscaloosa's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,880 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many food preparation jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Tuscaloosa?
There are approximately 96.523 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,460 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 96.523 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 Tuscaloosa, AL