Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,710. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan settings. The lower average pay is often influenced by a combination of local demand, cost of business, and the overall economic structure of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,920.
- Outlook: The East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 1,350 Food Preparation Workers, indicating a stable, albeit localized, employment base. With a Location Quotient of 1.64, this region shows a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting a robust demand relative to the national distribution. The presence of 9.437 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the notable presence and potential opportunities within this sector in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-15.1%below the national average.
$13.8
$552
$2,393
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for most roles, including food preparation. Therefore, current earnings likely represent an upward movement from previous years, reflecting ongoing market adjustments.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, often accompanied by salary increases. While exact percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary distribution suggests that those with extensive experience, specialized skills (e.g., supervisory roles, specific culinary techniques), or those in higher-demand establishments can command salaries exceeding the average. The gap between entry-level and senior compensation signifies the value placed on accumulated expertise and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,190 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,533 | $10.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,750 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,888 | $17.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,920 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,710 in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the nominal income is lower than the national average salary, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer a similar standard of living, though potential for savings might be constrained.
Job Market Context
1,350
Total Jobs
9.437
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x 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 1.64 for Food Preparation Workers in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area indicates a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is relatively more abundant or specialized in this region than in the country as a whole. Employers may find a larger pool of available talent, while job seekers might face a more competitive environment for desirable positions, though the higher concentration points to sustained demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,940↑ 15% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,170↓ 5% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,240↓ 2% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,130↓ 9% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,610↓ 11% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,710. This typically ranges from $22,190 for entry-level positions to $36,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 15.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $28,710 is notably lower than the national average of $33,810. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($32,940) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job opportunities?
A local workforce of 1,350 Food Preparation Workers suggests a substantial and established presence of this occupation within the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, indicating consistent demand and a stable job market for these roles.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.64 signify?
A Location Quotient of 1.64 means that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 64% more concentrated in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area than the national average, indicating a higher relative demand or prevalence of these positions.
How does the cost of living affect the $28,710 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $28,710 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This implies that while the nominal income is lower, the local expenses are also on par with national figures.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in this region?
Yes, with 9.437 jobs per 1,000 workers, the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a higher density of Food Preparation Worker positions compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local job market for this occupation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,350 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.437 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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area