Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Montgomery, AL
Food Preparation Workers in Montgomery, AL, earn an average annual salary of $25,450. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Montgomery area. The cost of living in Montgomery aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be more balanced.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,150.
- Outlook: Montgomery's food preparation sector supports a local workforce of 1,330 individuals, with 8.147 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 1.41 signifies a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for food preparation talent within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Montgomery, AL earns-24.7%below the national average.
$12.2
$489
$2,121
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 Montgomery have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect an evolving labor market and increasing operational costs for businesses in the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Montgomery, AL
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and commensurate salary bumps. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range for this occupation suggests that experienced professionals can command higher earnings than those just starting out, with significant gaps often indicating substantial career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,210 | $9.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,088 | $9.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,420 | $10.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $31,813 | $15.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,150 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $25,450 in Montgomery, AL, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the financial implications of relocating to Montgomery for this profession neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
1,330
Total Jobs
8.147
Per 1K Jobs
1.41
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.41, Montgomery, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.41, Montgomery, AL, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Montgomery is more abundant with these roles relative to its overall workforce, potentially indicating a competitive environment for job seekers but also a strong presence of employers seeking this specific skill set.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,470↓ 8% | 44 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,980↓ 10% | 44 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,520↓ 8% | 44 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $22,830↓ 10% | 44 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,900↑ 6% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montgomery, AL
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Montgomery, AL?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Montgomery, AL is $25,450. This typically ranges from $20,210 for entry-level positions to $35,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montgomery, AL is 24.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Montgomery, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $25,450 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, and the job market shows a higher concentration of these roles. This indicates a stable, albeit not high-paying, employment landscape for food preparation workers.
Is Montgomery, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Montgomery, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montgomery, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($23,470) and Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Montgomery's salary compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
Food Preparation Workers in Montgomery, AL, earn an average of $25,450 annually, which is approximately $8,360 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Montgomery, AL?
Montgomery, AL, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Montgomery, AL?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.41 indicates a higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Montgomery compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Montgomery, AL?
The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Montgomery, AL, consists of approximately 1,330 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,330 employees in the Montgomery, AL area with a job density of 8.147 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 Montgomery, AL