Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Lafayette, LA
Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette, LA earn an average annual salary of $24,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810. Local economic factors and industry demand specific to the Lafayette region significantly influence this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,880 individuals in this role, Lafayette demonstrates a substantial presence of Food Preparation Workers. The Location Quotient of 3.83 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette, LA earns-26.9%below the national average.
$11.9
$475
$2,060
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers, like many roles, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years, driven by inflation, evolving industry standards, and localized economic shifts.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and specialized skills. The salary gap between junior and senior positions widens with experience, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and higher earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,090 | $8.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,540 | $8.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,360 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,900 | $14.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,090 | $15.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,720 in Lafayette, LA, 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 that salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
3,880
Total Jobs
22.093
Per 1K Jobs
3.83
Location Quotient
Lafayette, 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.
The Location Quotient of 3.83 for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette, LA, signifies a highly concentrated job market, with nearly four times the national average presence. This suggests that the demand for these workers is significantly elevated in Lafayette compared to other regions, potentially leading to greater job availability and competitive hiring practices.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,010↑ 5% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,790↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,560↓ 9% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,370↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,530↑ 3% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette, LA is $24,720. This typically ranges from $17,090 for entry-level positions to $33,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 26.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $24,720 is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810 for Food Preparation Workers.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($26,010) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 3,880 Food Preparation Workers employed in Lafayette, LA.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.83 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette?
A Location Quotient of 3.83 indicates that Lafayette, LA has a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does Lafayette's Cost of Living compare to the national average?
Lafayette, LA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette?
Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a robust and concentrated job market for Food Preparation Workers in Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,880 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 22.093 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 Lafayette, LA