Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
In the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $24,470. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810. Local economic factors, including the specific demand within the region's hospitality and food service sectors, significantly influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $24,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,650.
- Outlook: The Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA region supports a substantial workforce of 2,350 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 4.05, indicating a concentration significantly higher than the national average, the demand for these roles appears robust and specialized within this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA earns-27.6%below the national average.
$11.8
$471
$2,039
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers across the nation, including in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area, have experienced incremental growth over the past four years, reflecting general economic trends and potential increases in minimum wage or industry-specific adjustments.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $17,490 | $8.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $18,353 | $8.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,910 | $11 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $30,588 | $14.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,650 | $15.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$24,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$24,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $24,470 in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA 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, its purchasing power locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
2,350
Total Jobs
23.325
Per 1K Jobs
4.05
Location Quotient
Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA has 4.0x 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.
A Location Quotient of 4.05 for Food Preparation Workers in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA signifies a market where these roles are highly concentrated compared to the rest of the United States. This suggests a strong regional demand and a specialized job market, potentially offering more opportunities than in areas with lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,910↑ 6% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,660↓ 3% | 43 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,520↑ 4% | 44 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,550↓ 4% | 74 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,940↑ 14% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is $24,470. This typically ranges from $17,490 for entry-level positions to $31,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is 27.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the $24,470 salary is significantly below the national average, indicating less earning potential in this specific role.
Is Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($25,910) and Hammond, LA.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA?
There are approximately 2,350 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this area compared to the national average?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 4.05, which is over four times the national average, indicating a high demand and presence of these jobs locally.
How does the cost of living in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA compare to the national average?
The cost of living in Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
What is the average number of Food Preparation Worker jobs per 1,000 workers in this region?
There are approximately 23.325 jobs for Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,350 employees in the Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA area with a job density of 23.325 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 Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA