In the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $26,240. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within this sector in the area. The lower average salary is often tied to the prevailing wage scales and the economic landscape characteristic of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,590.
- Outlook: The West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 10,720 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and established presence of this industry. The rate of 82.792 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the consistent demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-27.0%below the national average.
$12.6
$505
$2,187
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations across nonmetropolitan areas have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, incremental increases in minimum wage laws, and a gradual rise in consumer demand for food services, even in less urbanized settings.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a clear salary scaling from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, it's common for experienced professionals and those in supervisory or specialized culinary roles to command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level earnings and those of seasoned veterans signifies the value placed on acquired skills, efficiency, and leadership within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,740 | $8.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,680 | $9.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,500 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,800 | $15.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,590 | $17.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,240 in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area 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 for this occupation, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively balanced by the average cost of goods and services in the region.
Job Market Context
10,720
Total Jobs
82.792
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.94x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the industry is well-established but not disproportionately dominant compared to other sectors. It indicates a steady demand for these roles without excessive competition or a significant surplus of workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $30,720↑ 17% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,340↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $31,450↑ 20% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $33,930↑ 29% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $26,240. This typically ranges from $17,740 for entry-level positions to $35,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 27.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place compared to the national average.The average salary of $26,240 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($30,720) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area's salary compare to the national average for this occupation?
The average annual salary in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $26,240, which is substantially lower than the national average of $35,960 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.94, indicating that the presence of these jobs is nearly equivalent to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in West Kentucky?
The cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $26,240 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offsetting the lower pay.
What is the total number of people employed in these roles locally?
There are 10,720 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the West Kentucky 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 10,720 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 82.792 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area