Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Jackson, MS
Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS, earn an average annual salary of $26,830. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Mississippi capital. The cost of living in Jackson aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,000.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,250 Food Preparation Workers, Jackson, MS, presents a moderate employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The rate of 4.668 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports this, indicating a consistent need for food preparation services within the city's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS earns-20.6%below the national average.
$12.9
$516
$2,236
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to incremental increases in wages for most occupations, including those in food preparation, as businesses adapt to maintain competitiveness and retain staff.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Jackson, MS
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS, typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized culinary knowledge or supervisory experience can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile distribution of salaries, though not detailed here, would illustrate these gaps, signifying clear career advancement opportunities for dedicated individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,560 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,123 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,700 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,538 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,000 | $17.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $26,830 for Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned in Jackson has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is lower than the national average for the role, the stable cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may still allow for a comparable standard of living to other areas.
Job Market Context
1,250
Total Jobs
4.668
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Jackson, MS has 0.81x 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 0.81 for Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS, indicates that the occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary within the local economy, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities. It implies a balanced supply and demand, where employers consistently seek qualified individuals without an overwhelming surplus of candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,370↓ 9% | 43 mi |
| Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,240↓ 10% | 43 mi |
| Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,250↓ 17% | 43 mi |
| West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,240↓ 13% | 43 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,940↑ 4% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jackson, MS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Jackson, MS?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS is $26,830. This typically ranges from $18,560 for entry-level positions to $36,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jackson, MS is 20.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Jackson, MS a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, Jackson, MS is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $26,830 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This combination results in lower effective earnings compared to national benchmarks.
Is Jackson, MS a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Jackson, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jackson, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area ($24,370) and Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Jackson, MS compare nationally?
Jackson, MS, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services, including housing, utilities, and groceries, is comparable to the national average.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.81. This indicates that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less prevalent in Jackson, MS, compared to the national average distribution of this occupation.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Jackson, MS?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS, is approximately 1,250 individuals.
What is the job density for Food Preparation Workers in Jackson, MS?
There are approximately 4.668 jobs for Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers in Jackson, MS, reflecting the local demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,250 employees in the Jackson, MS area with a job density of 4.668 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 Jackson, MS