Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Alexandria, LA
Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA, earn an average annual salary of $23,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Alexandria market. The cost of living in Alexandria aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, the purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,740.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA, shows a significant concentration, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.25, which is substantially higher than the national average. With 1,110 workers in this role locally, this suggests a robust demand and a specialized market for these services within the region, potentially offering more opportunities than in areas with lower concentration.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA earns-29.8%below the national average.
$11.4
$457
$1,979
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Alexandria is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for food services, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws, though local economic conditions can moderate the pace of salary increases.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Alexandria, LA
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA, typically scales with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized culinary skills or supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement pathways within the food preparation sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,950 | $8.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,813 | $8.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,890 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,688 | $14.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,740 | $15.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA, stands at $23,750. When compared to the local Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is the national average), this salary's purchasing power is directly aligned with the national median. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Alexandria is also at the national average, offering a balanced economic proposition.
Job Market Context
1,110
Total Jobs
18.717
Per 1K Jobs
3.25
Location Quotient
Alexandria, LA has 3.3x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Alexandria, LA, exhibits a strong concentration of Food Preparation Workers, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.25. This significantly elevated quotient suggests that the demand for these roles is disproportionately higher in Alexandria compared to the rest of the nation. Such a concentration indicates a specialized local market where these professionals are a key component of the workforce, potentially leading to greater job availability and employer competition for talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,790↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,560↓ 5% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,370↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,720↑ 4% | 79 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,530↑ 7% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Alexandria, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Alexandria, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA is $23,750. This typically ranges from $16,950 for entry-level positions to $32,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alexandria, LA is 29.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Alexandria, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living in Alexandria, LA is at the national average, the average salary for Food Preparation Workers is significantly lower than the national average, making it less lucrative in absolute dollar terms.
Is Alexandria, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Alexandria, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alexandria, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($22,790) and Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Alexandria, LA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA is $23,750, which is considerably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What does the Location Quotient of 3.25 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA?
A Location Quotient of 3.25 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 3.25 times more concentrated in Alexandria, LA, than in the nation as a whole, suggesting higher local demand relative to the national average.
Does the Cost of Living in Alexandria, LA affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Alexandria, LA, matches the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $23,750 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in absolute terms.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Alexandria, LA?
There are approximately 1,110 Food Preparation Workers employed in Alexandria, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,110 employees in the Alexandria, LA area with a job density of 18.717 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alexandria, LA