Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $22,830. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles in non-urban settings. The specific economic landscape and cost of living in this area significantly influence compensation levels for these positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $22,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,410.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers comprises 430 individuals, with a location quotient of 1.15, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for food preparation services within the region, supporting a consistent job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-32.5%below the national average.
$11
$439
$1,903
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 nonmetropolitan areas like Southwest Alabama, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market dynamics, though regional variations can influence the pace of salary increases.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, often accompanied by salary increases. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary range for this occupation suggests that experienced workers can command higher wages, with significant percentile gaps reflecting the value of accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $18,610 | $8.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $17,123 | $8.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $20,900 | $10 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,538 | $13.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,410 | $14.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$22,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $22,830 in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area 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 comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services locally is neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
6.624
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.15, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area shows a concentration slightly above the national average. This indicates that the occupation is relatively well-established in the region, suggesting a healthy demand that is slightly more pronounced than in other areas nationwide, though not necessarily indicative of intense competition or rapid job growth.
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↑ 26% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,270↑ 24% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,900↑ 18% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,560↑ 12% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $22,830. This typically ranges from $18,610 for entry-level positions to $29,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 32.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $22,830 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a comparable cost of living. This suggests that while expenses are average, earning potential is below the national benchmark.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($25,450) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $22,830, which is considerably lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs in this region?
The location quotient of 1.15 indicates that Food Preparation Workers jobs are slightly more concentrated in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area than the national average, suggesting a stable presence of these roles.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $22,830 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being below the national average wage.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in the area?
There are approximately 430 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.624 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area