Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Knoxville, TN
Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $30,560. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, suggesting localized economic factors and demand play a role in compensation within the Knoxville market. Understanding these regional nuances is key for anyone in or considering this profession in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,640.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 3,060 individuals, the Food Preparation Worker sector in Knoxville demonstrates a stable presence. The Location Quotient of 1.27 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially favorable job market for skilled food preparation professionals in the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville, TN earns-9.6%below the national average.
$14.7
$588
$2,547
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns over the past four years. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles across the service industry, including food preparation.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville, TN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between these levels signify clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,180 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,920 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,920 | $14.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,200 | $18.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,640 | $18.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,560 for Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned in Knoxville has the same purchasing power as the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages generally keep pace with living expenses.
Job Market Context
3,060
Total Jobs
7.328
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Knoxville's Location Quotient of 1.27 for Food Preparation Workers signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive landscape but also points to a healthy demand for these services, offering more opportunities than in regions with lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,490↓ 10% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,710↓ 9% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,750↑ 7% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,400↓ 4% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,150↓ 11% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville, TN is $30,560. This typically ranges from $23,180 for entry-level positions to $37,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 9.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $30,560 is below the national average, the Location Quotient of 1.27 indicates a higher concentration of jobs, suggesting good demand and opportunity within the local market.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($27,490) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville's cost of living affect Food Preparation Worker salaries?
Knoxville's Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $30,560 average salary for Food Preparation Workers has comparable purchasing power to the national average salary.
What is the job concentration for Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville?
The Location Quotient of 1.27 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are 27% more concentrated in Knoxville than the national average, suggesting a stronger local job market for this role.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Knoxville?
There are approximately 3,060 Food Preparation Workers employed in Knoxville, TN, contributing to the local service economy.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville?
With 7.328 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient above 1, the market suggests a healthy number of openings and demand for Food Preparation Workers in Knoxville.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,060 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 7.328 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 Knoxville, TN