Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
In Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $25,610. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $33,810, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a different economic landscape influence compensation in this region. The specific economic conditions and demand within the Florence-Muscle Shoals area play a significant role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,390.
- Outlook: The Florence-Muscle Shoals area supports a local workforce of 420 Food Preparation Workers. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 7.556, the demand for these roles is present within the community. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.31, suggests a slightly higher prevalence of these jobs compared to the national average, implying a stable, albeit not booming, job market for food preparation roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL earns-24.3%below the national average.
$12.3
$493
$2,134
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Florence-Muscle Shoals 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 contribute to a modest upward trajectory in wages for such positions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Florence-Muscle Shoals, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at 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 signify the potential for career advancement and increased earning power as workers gain expertise and take on more complex roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,040 | $9.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,208 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,410 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,013 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,390 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $25,610 in Florence-Muscle Shoals 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 salary within Florence-Muscle Shoals is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is offset by the lack of increased expenses, making the financial standing comparable to the national median.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
7.556
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.31, Florence-Muscle Shoals exhibits a concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs that is 31% higher than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust demand for these roles within the local economy, indicating that the job market is more favorable here than in many other regions across the country. While not an exceptionally high quotient, it points to a market where these positions are a more significant component of the employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,130↑ 2% | 42 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,240↑ 10% | 59 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,710↑ 12% | 84 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,390↑ 7% | 84 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,850↑ 5% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is $25,610. This typically ranges from $19,040 for entry-level positions to $35,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 24.3% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, but the cost of living is comparable.The average salary of $25,610 is below the national average, but the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($26,130) and Huntsville, AL.
How does the Florence-Muscle Shoals salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Food Preparation Workers in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is $25,610, which is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The cost of living in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is at the national average, with an index of 100.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The Location Quotient of 1.31 indicates a concentration of these jobs that is 31% higher than the national average, suggesting a relatively strong local demand.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL is approximately 420 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL area with a job density of 7.556 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 Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL