Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Monroe, LA
Food Preparation Workers in Monroe, LA, earn an average annual salary of $23,030. This figure is significantly below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Monroe area for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,640.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 1,770 Food Preparation Workers, Monroe, LA, demonstrates a notable concentration of this profession, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.52. This high quotient suggests that the demand for these roles in Monroe is more than 3.5 times the national average, pointing to a robust and active job market for food preparation professionals in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Monroe, LA earns-31.9%below the national average.
$11.1
$443
$1,919
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Monroe, LA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or industry-specific adjustments. This suggests a potentially improving earning landscape for those in the field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Monroe, LA
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers 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 distribution signify the potential for significant career advancement and increased earning power as one gains expertise and takes on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,490 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,273 | $8.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,660 | $10.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,788 | $13.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,640 | $14.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,030 in Monroe, 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 this income is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in Monroe is balanced with the local wage structure.
Job Market Context
1,770
Total Jobs
20.305
Per 1K Jobs
3.52
Location Quotient
Monroe, LA has 3.5x 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.
Monroe, LA, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Food Preparation Workers, with a Location Quotient of 3.52. This indicates that the proportion of these jobs relative to the overall workforce is significantly higher than the national average. Such a concentration suggests a strong local demand and potentially a competitive environment for both employers seeking talent and workers seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,750↑ 3% | 88 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,790↓ 1% | 94 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,560↓ 2% | 94 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,370↓ 3% | 94 mi |
Comparing salaries near Monroe, LA
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Monroe, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Monroe, LA is $23,030. This typically ranges from $16,490 for entry-level positions to $29,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Monroe, LA is 31.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Monroe, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $23,030 is substantially lower than the national average, making it less lucrative from a pure income perspective.
Is Monroe, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Monroe, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Monroe, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($23,750) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Monroe's job market compare nationally for Food Preparation Workers?
Monroe, LA, has a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 3.52, indicating strong local demand.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living in Monroe, LA?
The Cost of Living Index in Monroe is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower-than-average salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Monroe, LA?
There are approximately 1,770 Food Preparation Workers employed in Monroe, LA.
Does experience affect salary for Food Preparation Workers in Monroe, LA?
Yes, like most roles, experience is expected to increase salary for Food Preparation Workers, with senior positions earning more than entry-level roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,770 employees in the Monroe, LA area with a job density of 20.305 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 Monroe, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Management Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Production Occupations Salary in Monroe, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Monroe, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Monroe, LA