Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
In the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $23,470. This figure falls significantly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for these roles compared to more urbanized or economically diverse areas. The local pay scale is thus dictated by the specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,440.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Alabama comprises approximately 870 individuals, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 5.728. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the region is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for food preparation services within this nonmetropolitan setting.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-30.6%below the national average.
$11.3
$451
$1,956
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Northeast Alabama is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of modest salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. Such growth, however, would likely be tempered by the region's nonmetropolitan status and the specific economic drivers affecting the food service industry locally.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles, which often command higher salaries. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary distribution suggests that experienced professionals can expect to earn more than the stated average, with significant gaps between entry-level and senior roles indicating clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $19,470 | $9.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,603 | $8.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,060 | $10.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,338 | $14.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,440 | $14.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Alabama stands at $23,470, which aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear low when compared to national averages, the purchasing power of this income within the local context is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial standing relative to local expenses.
Job Market Context
870
Total Jobs
5.728
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.99x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Alabama is remarkably close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests that the demand and supply dynamics for these roles are fairly balanced, indicating neither an oversaturated market nor a significant shortage. Professionals can expect a competitive but accessible employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,450↑ 8% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,790↑ 23% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↑ 20% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,900↑ 15% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,560↑ 9% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $23,470. This typically ranges from $19,470 for entry-level positions to $29,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 30.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $23,470 is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is equivalent locally.
Is Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,450) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 870 suggests a moderate-sized pool of potential employees, indicating stable but not rapidly expanding job opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.99 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.99 signifies that the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Northeast Alabama is very close to the national average, implying a stable and predictable job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $23,470 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary in its respective area, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Are there significant salary increases with experience?
While specific data isn't provided, career progression typically leads to higher salaries, and the salary distribution likely shows a notable increase from entry-level to senior Food Preparation Worker roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.728 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 Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area