Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
In Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $23,550. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the food service industry in this area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,480.
- Outlook: The Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux area supports a substantial local workforce of 1,460 Food Preparation Workers. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 17.635, the demand for these roles is significant within the local economy, suggesting a stable job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA earns-30.3%below the national average.
$11.3
$453
$1,963
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation have seen incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend is likely reflected to some degree in the local market, though regional economic conditions play a crucial role.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
Experience plays a pivotal role in salary progression for Food Preparation Workers. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,070 | $8.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,663 | $8.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,120 | $10.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,438 | $14.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,480 | $14.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,550 in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux 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 this income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is balanced with the prevailing wages.
Job Market Context
1,460
Total Jobs
17.635
Per 1K Jobs
3.06
Location Quotient
Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA has 3.1x 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.
A Location Quotient of 3.06 for Food Preparation Workers in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux signifies a strong concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market is significantly more abundant in this specific occupation within the Houma area, suggesting a higher demand relative to the national distribution of workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,910↑ 10% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,010↑ 10% | 65 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,660↑ 0% | 66 mi |
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,470↑ 4% | 74 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,720↑ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA is $23,550. This typically ranges from $17,070 for entry-level positions to $29,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA is 30.3% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the local salary of $23,550 is below the national average, the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have equivalent purchasing power locally. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 3.06) does indicate strong local demand.
Is Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($25,910) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux is $23,550, which is considerably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the job market like for Food Preparation Workers in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux?
The job market is robust, with 1,460 workers and a high concentration indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.06, suggesting strong local demand relative to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $23,550 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Food Preparation Worker jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux?
There are approximately 17.635 Food Preparation Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in the Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,460 employees in the Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA area with a job density of 17.635 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Production Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Management Occupations Salary in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA