Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Dothan, AL
Food Preparation Workers in Dothan, AL, earn an average annual salary of $25,030. This figure falls notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating localized economic factors and demand significantly influence compensation in this Alabama city. The specific economic landscape and cost of living in Dothan contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 520 Food Preparation Workers, Dothan presents a concentrated employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 1.51 suggests that this profession is more prevalent in Dothan than the national average, implying a steady, albeit localized, demand for these essential services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Dothan, AL earns-26.0%below the national average.
$12
$481
$2,086
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dothan's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market conditions, suggesting a potentially upward trajectory for earnings.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Dothan, AL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Dothan, as elsewhere, is typically marked by increasing salaries with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn significantly more. The widening salary gap between junior and senior roles reflects opportunities for advancement and skill development within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,840 | $9.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,773 | $9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,600 | $10.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,288 | $15 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,230 | $16 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,030 for Food Preparation Workers in Dothan, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income within Dothan is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
8.678
Per 1K Jobs
1.51
Location Quotient
Dothan, AL has 1.5x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.51 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are 51% more concentrated in Dothan, AL, than in the U.S. overall. This higher concentration indicates a robust local market for these professionals, suggesting that employers may rely more heavily on local talent, and job opportunities might be more readily available compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $33,270↑ 33% | 72 mi |
| Albany, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,850↑ 19% | 76 mi |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,350↑ 41% | 77 mi |
| Tallahassee, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,860↑ 31% | 87 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,450↑ 2% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dothan, AL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Dothan, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Dothan, AL is $25,030. This typically ranges from $18,840 for entry-level positions to $33,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dothan, AL is 26.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Dothan, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the salary of $25,030 is equivalent to the national cost of living, it is significantly lower than the national average salary of $33,810 for Food Preparation Workers.
Is Dothan, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Dothan, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dothan, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL ($33,270) and Albany, GA.
How does Dothan's salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Dothan, AL, earn an average of $25,030 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the significance of Dothan's Location Quotient for Food Preparation Workers?
A Location Quotient of 1.51 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in Dothan than the national average, suggesting a stronger local presence and potentially more job opportunities within this specific field in the area.
How does the Cost of Living in Dothan affect the Food Preparation Worker salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Dothan's living expenses are on par with the national average. This means the $25,030 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary.
What is the total workforce size for Food Preparation Workers in Dothan?
There are approximately 520 Food Preparation Workers employed in Dothan, AL, contributing to the local economy and food service industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Dothan, AL area with a job density of 8.678 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 Dothan, AL