Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $26,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic are at play. The specific economic landscape and cost of living within the Auburn-Opelika area significantly influence this compensation benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,250.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika area demonstrates a concentrated demand for Food Preparation Workers, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.44, which is 44% higher than the national average. With 8.293 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 590 individuals in this role, the market shows a robust presence and a clear need for these essential services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-20.4%below the national average.
$12.9
$517
$2,242
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Auburn-Opelika's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for most roles, including those in food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Auburn-Opelika, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,940 | $9.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,175 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,340 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,625 | $16.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,250 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,900 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
8.293
Per 1K Jobs
1.44
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.44, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.44 for Food Preparation Workers in Auburn-Opelika signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is relatively more robust or specialized for this occupation, potentially indicating a stronger demand or a more established industry presence for food preparation roles than in a typical U.S. locale.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,810↑ 7% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,450↓ 5% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,560↓ 5% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,470↓ 13% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,980↓ 15% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $26,900. This typically ranges from $19,940 for entry-level positions to $35,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 20.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $26,900 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810, indicating less competitive pay in this specific location.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($28,810) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 590 Food Preparation Workers suggests a moderate-sized pool of talent. While not excessively large, it indicates a consistent need for these roles within the Auburn-Opelika economy.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.44 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.44 means that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 44% more concentrated in Auburn-Opelika than the national average, suggesting potentially more opportunities or a specialized industry demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika compare nationally?
Auburn-Opelika's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than in a typical U.S. city.
What is the average number of Food Preparation Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in Auburn-Opelika?
There are approximately 8.293 Food Preparation Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in Auburn-Opelika, indicating a solid presence of this occupation within the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 8.293 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL