Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Dalton, GA
In Dalton, GA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $30,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Dalton contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local factors is crucial for anyone considering a career in food preparation within this specific Georgia locale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,250.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Dalton, GA, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 230 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.61 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Dalton compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate demand relative to the national landscape. While not a high-concentration area, the presence of a dedicated workforce points to ongoing opportunities within the local food service industry.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Dalton, GA earns-10.7%below the national average.
$14.5
$580
$2,515
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dalton, GA is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions typically drive modest annual increases in wages for such roles. This suggests a generally positive, albeit potentially slow, upward trajectory for compensation in this sector.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Dalton, GA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Dalton, GA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to 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, though not detailed here, generally signify the earning potential as one moves from junior to senior roles within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,810 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,635 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,430 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,725 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,250 | $16.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,180 for Food Preparation Workers in Dalton, GA, 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 income in Dalton is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the comparable cost of living, making the financial standing relatively standard.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
3.502
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Dalton, GA has 0.61x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.61, Dalton, GA, has a lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is less saturated locally than it is nationwide. While this might imply fewer job openings relative to the national scale, it could also mean less intense competition for available positions, offering a potentially stable environment for those already employed in the sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,290↓ 3% | 26 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,710↓ 8% | 29 mi |
| Rome, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,020↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| Gainesville, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,480↑ 11% | 73 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,100↑ 13% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dalton, GA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Dalton, GA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Dalton, GA is $30,180. This typically ranges from $22,810 for entry-level positions to $34,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dalton, GA is 10.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Dalton, GA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Dalton, GA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $30,180 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, earning potential is somewhat diminished compared to national benchmarks.
Is Dalton, GA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Dalton, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dalton, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Chattanooga, TN-GA ($29,290) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Dalton's cost of living compare to the national average?
Dalton, GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services in Dalton is comparable to the national average.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs in Dalton, GA?
There are 3.502 Food Preparation Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in Dalton, GA. This indicates a moderate presence of these roles within the local workforce, though less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Dalton, GA?
Dalton, GA has a total local workforce of 230 individuals employed as Food Preparation Workers.
How does the Dalton salary compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Dalton, GA is $30,180, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Dalton, GA area with a job density of 3.502 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Dalton, GA
- All Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Production Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Dalton, GA
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Dalton, GA
- Browse All Jobs in Dalton, GA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Dalton, GA