Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
In the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $22,790. This figure significantly trails the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to broader metropolitan hubs. The specific economic landscape of this region plays a crucial role in shaping compensation for these essential service positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $22,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,030.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Louisiana appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 1,330 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 2.89 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in the area compared to the national average, implying strong local demand and a specialized need for this profession within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area earns-32.6%below the national average.
$11
$438
$1,899
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Food Preparation Workers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and evolving consumer demands likely contributed to modest increases, though regional disparities may mean growth rates differ from those in more dynamic urban centers.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized culinary knowledge or supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this role signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| 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) | $17,093 | $8.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $21,720 | $10.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $28,488 | $13.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,030 | $14.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$22,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$22,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $22,790 in Southwest Louisiana aligns perfectly 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 equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is offset by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
1,330
Total Jobs
16.639
Per 1K Jobs
2.89
Location Quotient
Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area has 2.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.89, Southwest Louisiana exhibits a highly concentrated market for Food Preparation Workers, significantly exceeding the national average. This indicates that the demand for these roles is disproportionately high relative to the rest of the country, suggesting a competitive environment for employers seeking talent and a potentially advantageous position for job seekers in this specific sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,750↑ 4% | 37 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,010↑ 14% | 67 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $24,720↑ 8% | 67 mi |
| Monroe, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,030↑ 1% | 94 mi |
| Hammond, LA Food Preparation Workers Salary | $23,660↑ 4% | 95 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is $22,790. This typically ranges from $16,430 for entry-level positions to $31,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 32.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $22,790 is substantially below the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Alexandria, LA ($23,750) and Baton Rouge, LA.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Louisiana compare nationally?
With 1,330 Food Preparation Workers, the sheer number is less relevant than the concentration. The Location Quotient of 2.89 indicates a significantly higher proportion of these jobs exist in Southwest Louisiana compared to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.89 mean for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
A Location Quotient of 2.89 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are nearly three times more concentrated in Southwest Louisiana than the national average. This points to a specialized and high demand for this profession within the region.
How does the cost of living impact the salary for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $22,790 salary, while lower than the national average, offers comparable purchasing power within Southwest Louisiana.
Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Louisiana?
Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a strong local demand for Food Preparation Workers, indicating a robust job market for this profession within the region despite the lower average salary.
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 Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 16.639 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area