Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
In the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $22,980. This figure significantly trails the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower cost of doing business. The specific economic landscape and demand within this particular region shape the compensation offered to these essential workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $22,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,290.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 590 individuals in food preparation roles, Southeast Alabama presents a stable, albeit localized, job market. The Location Quotient of 1.24 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a steady demand within the region's specific economic structure. While not a booming market, the consistent presence of these roles points to ongoing employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-32.0%below the national average.
$11.1
$442
$1,915
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 Southeast Alabama have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation adjustments. Increases in the cost of living, even if stable at the national average, typically necessitate incremental wage adjustments to maintain purchasing power for workers in these roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to roles with greater responsibility and potentially supervisory duties. As experience is gained, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, moving up through the pay percentiles. The gap between lower and higher percentiles signifies the potential for 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) | $17,235 | $8.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,060 | $10.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,725 | $13.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,290 | $14.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$22,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $22,980 in Southeast Alabama aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within the region is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage is offset by the equivalent cost of living, making the financial standing relatively balanced.
Job Market Context
590
Total Jobs
7.176
Per 1K Jobs
1.24
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.24, Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.24 indicates that Food Preparation Worker positions are 24% more concentrated in Southeast Alabama than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust local demand for these services, potentially driven by the region's specific industry mix or tourism. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it points to a healthy presence and consistent need for these roles within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,450↑ 11% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,790↑ 25% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↑ 23% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,900↑ 17% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,560↑ 11% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $22,980. This typically ranges from $17,890 for entry-level positions to $30,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 32.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average annual salary of $22,980 is substantially lower than the national average, although this is somewhat balanced by a cost of living index that matches the national average.
Is Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,450) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the Southeast Alabama salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Alabama earn an average of $22,980 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Southeast Alabama?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.24, indicating that these jobs are 24% more prevalent in Southeast Alabama compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Southeast Alabama?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Alabama is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $22,980 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify?
With 7.176 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric suggests a moderate level of employment for Food Preparation Workers relative to the overall workforce in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 590 employees in the Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.176 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 Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area