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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Valdosta, GA

Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta, GA, earn an average annual salary of $29,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this sector in Valdosta.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,120.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 300 and a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta, GA, is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. While not exceptionally high, this indicates a stable presence of these roles within the local economy, suggesting consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,520

The average Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta, GA earns-12.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.2

Weekly

$568

Monthly

$2,460

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Valdosta, GA

The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta, GA, typically spans from entry-level positions to more experienced roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, it's common for those with several years of experience and specialized skills to command salaries exceeding the average, potentially reaching the 75th percentile or higher, signifying clear career progression opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,540$10.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,140$10.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,090$14
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,900$17.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,120$16.9

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,520

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $29,520 in Valdosta, GA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the national standard, making the salary's value relative to expenses quite balanced.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

5.563

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

Valdosta, GA has 0.97x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are slightly less concentrated in Valdosta, GA, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, and there is a steady, balanced demand for these services relative to the overall workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Tallahassee, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary$32,860↑ 11%64 mi
Albany, GA Food Preparation Workers Salary$29,850↑ 1%73 mi
Gainesville, FL Food Preparation Workers Salary$33,830↑ 15%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Valdosta, GA

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Valdosta, GA?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta, GA is $29,520. This typically ranges from $22,540 for entry-level positions to $35,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Valdosta, GA is 12.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Valdosta, GA a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?

No, not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $29,520 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is Valdosta, GA a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Valdosta, GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tallahassee, FL ($32,860) and Albany, GA.

How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta compare nationally?

Valdosta, GA has approximately 5.563 Food Preparation Workers per 1,000 workers, which is very close to the national average, indicating a similar prevalence of the role.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta?

There are approximately 300 Food Preparation Workers employed in Valdosta, GA.

Does experience impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Valdosta?

Yes, as in most professions, experience typically leads to higher earning potential, moving individuals beyond the entry-level average salary.

How does Valdosta's job market for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?

The market is very similar, with a Location Quotient of 0.97 indicating a slight underrepresentation compared to the national average, but still a stable presence.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Valdosta, GA area with a job density of 5.563 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 Valdosta, GA