Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Birmingham, AL
Food Preparation Workers in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $28,790. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Birmingham.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,110.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,750 Food Preparation Workers, Birmingham presents a substantial employment base for this role. The Location Quotient of 1.26 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 26% higher than the national average, signaling a robust and relatively in-demand market for food preparation talent within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Birmingham, AL earns-14.8%below the national average.
$13.8
$554
$2,399
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Birmingham, like in many other regions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a steady demand for essential food services.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Birmingham typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are accompanied by higher earning potential. The salary gap between junior and experienced professionals widens as skills, responsibilities, and supervisory duties increase, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and increased compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $21,220 | $10.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,593 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,850 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,988 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,110 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,790 for Food Preparation Workers in Birmingham 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 this income is comparable to the national standard, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the real value of this salary.
Job Market Context
3,750
Total Jobs
7.236
Per 1K Jobs
1.26
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.26, Birmingham, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Birmingham's Location Quotient of 1.26 for Food Preparation Workers signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in Birmingham is more active and potentially more competitive for these roles, with a greater proportion of the local workforce engaged in food preparation activities than typically seen nationwide.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↓ 2% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,470↓ 18% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,980↓ 20% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,520↓ 18% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,830↓ 21% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Birmingham, AL is $28,790. This typically ranges from $21,220 for entry-level positions to $37,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 14.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,790 is below the national average of $33,810, indicating lower earning potential. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is comparable.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($28,270) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's job market compare nationally for Food Preparation Workers?
Birmingham has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.26, suggesting a more active local market for these roles.
What is the average number of Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers in Birmingham?
In Birmingham, there are approximately 7.236 Food Preparation Workers for every 1,000 workers in the general workforce, highlighting the significance of this occupation locally.
Does experience impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Birmingham?
Yes, experience significantly influences salary, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
How does the cost of living in Birmingham affect the salary of Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living in Birmingham is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,790 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,750 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 7.236 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 Birmingham, AL