Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Food Preparation Workers in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earn an average annual salary of $30,930. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized economic factors and regional demand influence compensation within this sector. The specific economic landscape and the cost of labor in Augusta-Richmond County play a significant role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,330.
- Outlook: The Augusta-Richmond County area supports a local workforce of 1,190 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market. The presence of 5.192 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, baseline demand for these essential positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-8.5%below the national average.
$14.9
$595
$2,578
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Augusta-Richmond County is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers, like many service-oriented positions, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and a steady demand for food services, reflecting a gradual upward trend in compensation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves gaining experience and potentially taking on more responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with supervisory duties command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, though not explicitly detailed here, would signify the earning potential as workers advance from novice to experienced professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,600 | $10.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,198 | $11.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,530 | $14.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,663 | $18.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,330 | $18.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,930 in Augusta-Richmond County aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard. While the nominal salary is below the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay effectively covers essential expenses at a comparable level to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,190
Total Jobs
5.192
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has 0.90x 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 0.9 for Food Preparation Workers in Augusta-Richmond County indicates that the industry's presence is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable and offers opportunities, it may not be as saturated as in other regions. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor overly abundant, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,840↓ 7% | 73 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,780↓ 10% | 73 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,110↓ 9% | 73 mi |
| Columbia, SC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,170↑ 1% | 82 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,720↓ 1% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $30,930. This typically ranges from $22,600 for entry-level positions to $38,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 8.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,930 is below the national average of $33,810, though the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($28,840) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Augusta-Richmond County salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Augusta-Richmond County is $30,930, which is approximately 8.5% lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The cost of living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in Augusta-Richmond County?
The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Augusta-Richmond County is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.9.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Augusta-Richmond County?
There are approximately 1,190 Food Preparation Workers employed in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,190 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 5.192 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 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC