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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Hattiesburg, MS

In Hattiesburg, MS, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $27,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this sector. The specific pay rates in Hattiesburg are influenced by the regional job market and the overall economic landscape of Mississippi.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,040.
  • Outlook: Hattiesburg, MS supports a local workforce of 520 Food Preparation Workers, with 8.366 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.45 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand for food preparation services that outpaces national trends.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,940

The average Food Preparation Workers in Hattiesburg, MS earns-17.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.4

Weekly

$537

Monthly

$2,328

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Hattiesburg, MS

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Hattiesburg, MS, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distributions reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$17,150$8.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$20,955$10.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$27,100$13
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$34,925$16.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,040$16.8

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $27,940 in Hattiesburg, MS, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to that of a worker earning the national average salary in a location with a higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

520

Total Jobs

8.366

Per 1K Jobs

1.45

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.45, Hattiesburg, MS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.45, Hattiesburg, MS, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers than the national average. This suggests a more competitive or abundant job market for these roles locally, potentially offering more opportunities but also indicating a higher supply of workers relative to demand compared to other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Food Preparation Workers Salary$25,520↓ 9%63 mi
Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary$24,470↓ 12%76 mi
Mobile, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary$26,220↓ 6%83 mi
Jackson, MS Food Preparation Workers Salary$26,830↓ 4%87 mi
Hammond, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary$23,660↓ 15%87 mi

Comparing salaries near Hattiesburg, MS

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Hattiesburg, MS?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Hattiesburg, MS is $27,940. This typically ranges from $17,150 for entry-level positions to $35,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hattiesburg, MS is 17.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Hattiesburg, MS a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $27,940 is substantially lower than the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Hattiesburg, MS a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Hattiesburg, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Hattiesburg, MS?

Some top paying nearby cities include Gulfport-Biloxi, MS ($25,520) and Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA.

How does the Hattiesburg Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Hattiesburg, MS is $27,940, which is $5,870 less than the national average of $33,810.

What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS for Food Preparation Workers?

The cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.

Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Hattiesburg, MS?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.45 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Hattiesburg compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Hattiesburg, MS?

Hattiesburg, MS has a local workforce of approximately 520 Food Preparation Workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Hattiesburg, MS area with a job density of 8.366 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Hattiesburg, MS