Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $23,520. This figure falls notably below the national average of $33,810. The localized economic landscape, including regional demand and the cost structure of businesses, significantly influences this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $23,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,990.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 380 individuals in this role, the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area presents a modest employment base for Food Preparation Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.99 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-30.4%below the national average.
$11.3
$452
$1,960
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 Northwest Alabama have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for businesses, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to incremental salary increases within this sector.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers 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 the potential for career advancement and increased earning capacity within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,890 | $8.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,640 | $8.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,000 | $10.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $29,400 | $14.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,990 | $14.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$23,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$23,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $23,520 for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Alabama 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 equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is balanced with the prevailing wages.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
5.678
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Northwest 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.99 for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Alabama indicates that the job market for this profession is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced supply and demand dynamic, where the number of available positions is neither significantly higher nor lower than what would be expected based on the overall workforce size compared to national benchmarks.
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↑ 22% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↑ 20% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,900↑ 14% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,560↑ 9% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $23,520. This typically ranges from $17,890 for entry-level positions to $29,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 30.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative area based on average salary.The average annual salary of $23,520 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. While the cost of living is average, the lower pay scale limits the lucrative nature of the role in this region.
Is Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest 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 380 suggests a moderately sized pool of Food Preparation Workers, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for this role in Northwest Alabama.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.99 mean for Food Preparation Workers?
A Location Quotient of 0.99 signifies that the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Northwest Alabama is almost identical to the national average, implying a standard level of industry presence.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $23,520 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the $23,520 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither unusually high nor low.
Are there significant opportunities for career advancement for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
While specific data on advancement is limited, the average salary suggests that opportunities for substantial salary increases may be modest compared to national averages, though experience typically leads to higher pay.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.678 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 Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area