Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
In Athens-Clarke County, GA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,720. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation in this region. The specific needs and economic landscape of Athens-Clarke County play a significant role in setting this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,160.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 530 individuals in this role, Athens-Clarke County demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, employment base for Food Preparation Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.96 indicates that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand relative to the national landscape. This signifies a steady job market without extreme oversupply or undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-9.1%below the national average.
$14.8
$591
$2,560
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Athens-Clarke County is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for most occupations, including those in food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Athens-Clarke County typically widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps between these levels signify clear career progression opportunities and the increasing value placed on skill and tenure within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,870 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,040 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,320 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,400 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,160 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,720 in Athens-Clarke County aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
5.534
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Athens-Clarke County, GA has 0.96x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers 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 0.96 for Food Preparation Workers in Athens-Clarke County suggests that the job market is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a competitive but stable environment where the number of available positions is closely matched by the number of qualified workers, without significant over- or under-representation compared to national trends.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,480↑ 9% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,100↑ 11% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,340↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,790↓ 3% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,050↓ 5% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $30,720. This typically ranges from $22,870 for entry-level positions to $37,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 9.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $30,720 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The job market concentration is also very close to the national average.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($33,480) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the Athens-Clarke County salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $30,720, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Athens-Clarke County, GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Athens-Clarke County?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Athens-Clarke County, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.96, is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced labor market.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Athens-Clarke County?
There are approximately 530 Food Preparation Workers employed in Athens-Clarke County, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 530 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 5.534 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA