Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Gainesville, GA
In Gainesville, GA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $33,480. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized market dynamic that influences compensation. Factors such as regional demand, cost of doing business, and the specific economic landscape of Gainesville contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,710.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Gainesville, GA, appears stable with a total local workforce of 470 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, there is a consistent presence and demand within the local economy. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 4.577, further supports a steady employment environment for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Gainesville, GA earns-1.0%below the national average.
$16.1
$644
$2,790
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Gainesville's Food Preparation Worker salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that, similar to national trends, local wages have experienced incremental growth. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and adjustments to minimum wage laws, suggesting a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory for earnings in this sector.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Gainesville, GA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Gainesville, GA, typically involves a salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead roles, often requiring specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities, command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as workers gain expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,340 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,110 | $12.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,090 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,850 | $20.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,710 | $20.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $33,480 in Gainesville, GA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Gainesville is equivalent to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
4.577
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Gainesville, GA has 0.79x 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 0.79, Gainesville, GA, has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, and the demand is relatively in line with the national distribution. It indicates a balanced job market where opportunities exist without extreme competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,720↓ 8% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,100↑ 2% | 49 mi |
| Dalton, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,180↓ 10% | 73 mi |
| Rome, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,020↓ 7% | 77 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,710↓ 17% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gainesville, GA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Gainesville, GA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Gainesville, GA is $33,480. This typically ranges from $26,340 for entry-level positions to $41,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gainesville, GA is 1.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Gainesville, GA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, Gainesville, GA is not significantly more lucrative for Food Preparation Workers than the national average.The average salary of $33,480 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no substantial financial advantage.
Is Gainesville, GA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Gainesville, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gainesville, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Athens-Clarke County, GA ($30,720) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the Gainesville salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Gainesville, GA is $33,480, which is slightly lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Gainesville, GA?
Gainesville, GA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, meaning it is neither significantly more nor less expensive to live there than the typical US city.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Gainesville, GA?
There are approximately 470 Food Preparation Workers employed in Gainesville, GA, representing 4.577 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers strong in Gainesville, GA?
The job market is stable, with a concentration slightly below the national average (LQ of 0.79), indicating steady demand without being overly competitive.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Gainesville, GA area with a job density of 4.577 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 Gainesville, GA