Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the economic landscape and potentially lower operational costs prevalent in nonmetropolitan regions. Local demand and the specific economic drivers of the area play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,100.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 840 individuals in food preparation roles, the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit modest, employment base. The Location Quotient of 1.25 indicates a concentration of these jobs slightly above the national average, suggesting a consistent, if not growing, demand for food preparation talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-16.7%below the national average.
$13.5
$541
$2,346
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers have seen gradual increases over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This growth, however, may be tempered by regional economic factors and the cost of living, potentially leading to slower salary progression compared to more urbanized areas.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Within the food preparation field, salary progression typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and expertise within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,190 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,113 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,750 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,188 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,150 in North Central Tennessee aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the financial viability of relocating for this role.
Job Market Context
840
Total Jobs
7.228
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.25 signifies that Food Preparation Worker roles are 25% more concentrated in the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these workers relative to the general workforce, indicating a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure skilled labor.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,940↑ 17% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,170↓ 3% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,240↑ 0% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,130↓ 7% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,610↓ 9% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $28,150. This typically ranges from $22,190 for entry-level positions to $36,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 16.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $28,150 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($32,940) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the job concentration compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 1.25 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 25% more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a slightly higher demand relative to the general job market.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area matches the national average. This means the $28,150 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Food Preparation Workers are employed locally?
There are approximately 840 Food Preparation Workers employed in the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The job market shows a concentration slightly above the national average (LQ 1.25), suggesting a steady demand for these roles within the region's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 840 employees in the North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.228 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 North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area