Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Decatur, AL
Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, AL, earn an average annual salary of $26,130. 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 Decatur. The specific pay rates are often influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,080.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL, supports a local workforce of 370 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the concentration of these roles in Decatur is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly high, demand for these professionals. The presence of 6.205 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for food preparation services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, AL earns-22.7%below the national average.
$12.6
$503
$2,178
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur'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 and inflation typically drive modest increases in wages across most sectors, including food service, as businesses adapt to changing market conditions and labor costs.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
The career path for Food Preparation Workers typically involves progression from entry-level roles to more senior positions. As individuals gain experience, develop specialized skills, and potentially take on supervisory responsibilities, their earning potential increases. The salary distribution, with distinct percentile gaps, reflects this career trajectory, offering clear opportunities for advancement and higher compensation for dedicated professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,960 | $10.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,598 | $9.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,730 | $11.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,663 | $15.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,080 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, AL, stands at $26,130. This nominal income is directly comparable to the local Cost of Living Index, which is precisely at the national average of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national average, making the financial aspect neutral in terms of relocation attractiveness.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
6.205
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Decatur, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Decatur, AL, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.08 for Food Preparation Workers, signifying a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy presence of these roles within the local economy, suggesting a competitive but accessible market for job seekers. The slight overrepresentation implies that local employers have a consistent need for these skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,240↑ 8% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,610↓ 2% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,080↓ 4% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,790↑ 10% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,710↑ 10% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, AL is $26,130. This typically ranges from $20,960 for entry-level positions to $36,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 22.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Decatur, AL is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $26,130 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering neutral purchasing power.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($28,240) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, AL, earn an average of $26,130 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Decatur, AL for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average.
Is there strong demand for Food Preparation Workers in Decatur, AL?
With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the concentration of Food Preparation Workers is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles in Decatur.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Decatur, AL?
Decatur, AL has a local workforce of approximately 370 Food Preparation Workers, with 6.205 jobs per 1,000 workers in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 6.205 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 Decatur, AL