Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $22,370. This figure significantly trails the national average of $33,810, indicating a distinct regional compensation structure. Factors such as local economic conditions and the cost of labor within this specific nonmetropolitan region likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $22,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $27,900.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,330 individuals and a Location Quotient of 3.7, the demand for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Louisiana appears robustly concentrated. This high concentration suggests that the region relies more heavily on this profession than the national average, pointing to a stable, albeit localized, job market for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-33.8%below the national average.
$10.8
$430
$1,864
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 Northeast Louisiana have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. This growth, however, may be tempered by regional economic factors, potentially leading to a slower upward trajectory compared to national averages.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience is gained, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with higher percentiles reflecting greater expertise and responsibility. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies a clear path for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $16,430 | $7.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $16,778 | $8.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,480 | $10.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $27,963 | $13.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $27,900 | $13.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$22,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $22,370 in Northeast Louisiana aligns precisely 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 comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,330
Total Jobs
21.335
Per 1K Jobs
3.7
Location Quotient
Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 3.7x 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 3.7 for Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Louisiana is exceptionally high, indicating a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is highly specialized in food preparation roles, making it a potentially competitive environment for job seekers but also a stable one for those already employed in the sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,750↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,010↑ 16% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,720↑ 11% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,030↑ 3% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,660↑ 6% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $22,370. This typically ranges from $16,430 for entry-level positions to $27,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 33.8% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a lucrative place based on average salary.The average annual salary of $22,370 is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is maintained locally.
Is Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($23,750) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Food Preparation Workers?
A local workforce of 1,330 suggests a substantial pool of individuals in this profession within Northeast Louisiana. While this indicates a presence, the high Location Quotient is a stronger indicator of demand relative to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.7 signify for Food Preparation Workers in this region?
A Location Quotient of 3.7 means that Food Preparation Workers are employed in Northeast Louisiana at a rate 3.7 times higher than the national average. This signifies a strong regional concentration and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $22,370 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national average cost of living area. Therefore, the lower nominal wage is balanced by local expenses.
Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
While specific data isn't provided, it's standard across most professions, including Food Preparation Workers, that experience leads to higher salaries. Higher percentiles in salary distributions typically represent more experienced 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 Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 21.335 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 Louisiana nonmetropolitan area