Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Georgia
Food Preparation Workers in Georgia earn an average annual salary of $32,730, slightly below the national average of $33,810. This marginal difference can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the state's specific economic landscape and the demand for these essential roles within the local job market. Understanding these nuances is key for anyone considering a career in food preparation within the Peach State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,230.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 27,200 Food Preparation Workers, Georgia demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of these jobs in Georgia is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles. This robust workforce size, coupled with a near-average concentration, points to a healthy and enduring job market for food preparation professionals in the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Georgia earns-3.2%below the national average.
$15.7
$629
$2,728
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Georgia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental salary increases for many occupations, including those in food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Georgia
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Georgia typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential 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) | $24,600 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,548 | $11.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,890 | $15.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $40,913 | $19.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,230 | $18.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,693
Adjusted for COL (89.2)
The nominal average salary of $32,730 for Food Preparation Workers in Georgia presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.2. This index is notably below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and groceries are generally more affordable in Georgia. Consequently, the purchasing power of a $32,730 salary in Georgia is likely to be higher than the same amount earned in a higher cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
27,200
Total Jobs
5.601
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Georgia has 0.97x 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.
A location quotient of 0.97 for Food Preparation Workers in Georgia suggests that the job market for this profession is highly aligned with national employment patterns. This indicates a competitive yet accessible landscape, where the availability of jobs closely mirrors the national average relative to the overall workforce. Professionals entering or currently working in this field can expect a market that is neither oversaturated nor significantly undersupplied, offering a balanced environment for career opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Macon-Bibb County, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,770↓ 6% | 16 mi |
| Warner Robins, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,340↓ 4% | 31 mi |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $30,720↓ 6% | 65 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,100↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Columbus, GA-AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,810↓ 12% | 81 mi |
Comparing salaries near Georgia
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Georgia?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Georgia is $32,730. This typically ranges from $24,600 for entry-level positions to $38,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Georgia is 3.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Georgia a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, Georgia offers a good value for Food Preparation Workers.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Georgia's lower cost of living significantly enhances the purchasing power of earnings. This makes the state a financially advantageous location for these workers.
Is Georgia a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.2 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Georgia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Macon-Bibb County, GA ($30,770) and Warner Robins, GA.
How does Georgia's cost of living compare to the national average?
Georgia's Cost of Living Index is 89.2, which is 10.8% lower than the national average of 100, indicating that goods and services are generally more affordable in the state.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Georgia?
The concentration, measured by the location quotient, is 0.97, meaning the proportion of Food Preparation Workers in Georgia's workforce is very close to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Georgia?
Georgia employs approximately 27,200 Food Preparation Workers, reflecting a substantial presence in the state's labor market.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in Georgia?
With 5.601 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate of employment for Food Preparation Workers in Georgia is consistent with national trends, suggesting steady demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 27,200 employees in the Georgia area with a job density of 5.601 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 Georgia