In New Orleans-Metairie, LA, Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, earn an average annual salary of $28,670. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as specific industry demands and labor supply, play a significant role in compensation for these roles within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,400.
- Outlook: The New Orleans-Metairie area supports a local workforce of 1,220 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Worker roles. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 2.759, the presence of this workforce indicates a consistent, albeit not overwhelmingly high, demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-20.3%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,389
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers in New Orleans-Metairie have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments seen across the broader service industry.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Career progression for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As individuals gain experience and develop advanced skills, their earning potential increases, reflected in the widening salary gaps between the lower and upper percentiles of compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,140 | $8.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,503 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,490 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,838 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,400 | $18 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,670 in New Orleans-Metairie aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, indicating a balanced economic environment for these workers.
Job Market Context
1,220
Total Jobs
2.759
Per 1K Jobs
4.75
Location Quotient
New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 4.8x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 4.75, Food Preparation and Serving Related Worker roles are significantly more concentrated in New Orleans-Metairie than the national average. This high concentration suggests a robust and established demand for these services, potentially indicating a competitive market for both employers seeking talent and workers seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $28,670. This typically ranges from $18,140 for entry-level positions to $37,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 20.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $28,670 is substantially lower than the national average of $35,960, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Others?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($23,280) and Hammond, LA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 1,220 suggests a substantial pool of experienced individuals, which can influence both hiring competition and the availability of specialized roles within the New Orleans-Metairie area.
What does a Location Quotient of 4.75 mean for this job category?
A Location Quotient of 4.75 signifies that jobs for Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers are nearly five times more common in New Orleans-Metairie than the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the perceived salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $28,670 salary in New Orleans-Metairie has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience in this role?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with entry-level positions typically paying less than senior or specialized roles, creating a noticeable difference in earning potential across the experience spectrum.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,220 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 2.759 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 Workers, All Other • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in New Orleans-Metairie, LA