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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL

In Tuscaloosa, AL, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,270. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,270 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,660.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 680 individuals in food preparation roles, Tuscaloosa demonstrates a concentration slightly above the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.09. This suggests a stable, if not slightly elevated, demand for these services within the region, supporting a consistent job market for food preparation workers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,270

The average Food Preparation Workers in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-16.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.6

Weekly

$544

Monthly

$2,356

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by a salary increase. While exact figures vary, the difference between starting wages and those for experienced or supervisory roles can represent a significant percentile gap, reflecting acquired skills and responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$20,680$9.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$21,203$10.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,800$13.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,338$17
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,660$17.6

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,270

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,270

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,270 in Tuscaloosa, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

680

Total Jobs

6.257

Per 1K Jobs

1.09

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.09, Tuscaloosa, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.

Tuscaloosa's Location Quotient of 1.09 for Food Preparation Workers signifies a local job market that is marginally more concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and slightly higher relative to other professions, the market is not oversaturated, presenting a competitive yet accessible environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Birmingham, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary$28,790↑ 2%47 mi
Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary$23,470↓ 17%52 mi
Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary$22,980↓ 19%52 mi
Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary$23,520↓ 17%52 mi
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary$22,830↓ 19%52 mi

Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Tuscaloosa, AL?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Tuscaloosa, AL is $28,270. This typically ranges from $20,680 for entry-level positions to $36,660 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 16.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $28,270 is below the national average of $33,810, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($28,790) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

How does Tuscaloosa's cost of living compare nationally?

Tuscaloosa, AL, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.

What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Tuscaloosa?

The Location Quotient for Food Preparation Workers in Tuscaloosa is 1.09, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher than the national average.

How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Tuscaloosa?

There are approximately 680 Food Preparation Workers employed in Tuscaloosa, AL.

What is the salary difference between Tuscaloosa and the national average for this role?

Food Preparation Workers in Tuscaloosa earn an average of $28,270 annually, which is $5,540 less than the national average salary of $33,810.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 6.257 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL