Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Hammond, LA
In Hammond, Louisiana, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $23,660. This figure significantly trails the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Hammond area. The lower average salary suggests a potentially different cost-benefit analysis for employers in this market compared to national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,610.
- Outlook: Hammond, LA supports a substantial workforce of 1,050 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 3.83, the concentration of these roles is nearly four times the national average, signaling a robust and concentrated demand for food preparation services within the local economy. This high concentration suggests that the job market for these professionals is particularly active and potentially stable in Hammond.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Hammond, LA earns-30.0%below the national average.
$11.4
$455
$1,972
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Hammond is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect adjustments to the cost of living and employer efforts to attract and retain staff in a competitive local labor market.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Hammond, LA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Hammond, LA, typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to more senior roles. While the exact figures vary, the percentile gaps in earnings between junior and experienced staff are expected to be noticeable, reflecting the value placed on accumulated skills, efficiency, and potential supervisory responsibilities. These differences underscore a clear path for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,940 | $8.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,745 | $8.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,890 | $10.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,575 | $14.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,610 | $15.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Hammond, LA, stands at $23,660. When compared to the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. However, given the lower nominal salary compared to the national average, individuals may find their disposable income is less than what they might expect in higher-paying regions, despite the average cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,050
Total Jobs
22.068
Per 1K Jobs
3.83
Location Quotient
Hammond, LA has 3.8x 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.
Hammond, LA, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Food Preparation Workers, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.83. This signifies that the proportion of these jobs relative to the overall workforce is substantially higher than the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a strong local industry demand, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also possibly indicating a competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,010↑ 10% | 40 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,470↑ 3% | 43 mi |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,910↑ 10% | 44 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,550↓ 0% | 66 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,520↑ 8% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hammond, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Hammond, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Hammond, LA is $23,660. This typically ranges from $16,940 for entry-level positions to $31,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hammond, LA is 30.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Hammond, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Hammond, LA is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers based on average salary.The average annual salary of $23,660 is significantly below the national average of $33,810. While the cost of living is average, the lower pay rate diminishes the overall financial attractiveness of the role in this location.
Is Hammond, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hammond, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hammond, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($26,010) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Hammond compare nationally?
Hammond, LA has a total local workforce of 1,050 Food Preparation Workers, and these roles constitute 22.068 jobs per 1,000 workers, which is considerably higher than the national average due to the high Location Quotient.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.83 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Hammond?
A Location Quotient of 3.83 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are about 3.83 times more concentrated in Hammond, LA, than in the average U.S. location, suggesting a specialized and robust local demand for these services.
How does the cost of living in Hammond affect the Food Preparation Worker salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Hammond's cost of living is on par with the national average. This means the $23,660 average salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, but the lower nominal wage may still feel restrictive.
Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in Hammond, LA?
Yes, the high concentration (Location Quotient of 3.83) and the significant number of jobs per 1,000 workers (22.068) suggest a strong and abundant job market for Food Preparation Workers in Hammond, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,050 employees in the Hammond, LA area with a job density of 22.068 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 Hammond, LA