In the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,410. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this sector in the area. The localized pay structure is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,520.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 10,190 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, the sector demonstrates a significant presence in West Tennessee. The location quotient of 0.97 suggests that this occupation is nearly as concentrated as the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the region's labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-21.0%below the national average.
$13.7
$546
$2,368
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for West Tennessee's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries in this sector across nonmetropolitan areas have seen modest but steady growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions. This trend suggests a gradual improvement in compensation for these essential roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, career progression typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced professionals and those in supervisory or specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay illustrate the tangible rewards of gaining experience and advancing within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,520 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,308 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,110 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,513 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,520 | $18.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,410 in West Tennessee's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not disproportionately diminish its value.
Job Market Context
10,190
Total Jobs
85.495
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x 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 0.97 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly less concentrated in West Tennessee compared to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high, offering moderate competition for available positions and a stable employment environment for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,410. This typically ranges from $18,520 for entry-level positions to $38,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 21.0% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $28,410 is notably lower than the national average of $35,960 for these roles.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($33,750) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 10,190 indicates a substantial pool of individuals in these roles, suggesting a well-established sector that supports consistent job opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.97 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.97 means the concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in West Tennessee is very close to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $28,410 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by lower (or average) living expenses.
What are the career growth prospects for Food Preparation roles in West Tennessee?
While specific data isn't provided, general trends suggest that experience and advancement into supervisory roles typically lead to higher salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,190 employees in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 85.495 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 Tennessee nonmetropolitan area