Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
In the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $26,850. This figure falls notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and labor market dynamics specific to this area. The localized pay scale is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the overall demand within the region's food service sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 830 individuals in food preparation roles, the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable, albeit modest, employment base for these professionals. The location quotient of 1.2 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a consistent, if not rapidly expanding, demand for food preparation talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-20.6%below the national average.
$12.9
$516
$2,238
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in West Tennessee is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments. Such growth, even if incremental, would aim to keep pace with rising operational costs for businesses and the cost of living for employees.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates 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 signify clear career progression pathways within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,170 | $10.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,138 | $9.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,500 | $12.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,563 | $16.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,960 | $16.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,850 in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is directly comparable to 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 effectively on par with the national standard, suggesting that the lower wages are balanced by lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
6.942
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.2 indicates that Food Preparation Worker positions are 20% more concentrated in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a relatively robust market for these roles, where demand is slightly elevated compared to the overall distribution of jobs nationwide, potentially offering more opportunities than in less concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,940↑ 23% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,170↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,240↑ 5% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,130↓ 3% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,610↓ 5% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $26,850. This typically ranges from $22,170 for entry-level positions to $34,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 20.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $26,850 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. While the cost of living is at the national average, the lower wage means less disposable income compared to national benchmarks.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($32,940) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the number of Food Preparation Workers in West Tennessee compare nationally?
With 830 workers, the local workforce is a component of the national total, but the location quotient of 1.2 suggests a higher relative concentration of these jobs within the region compared to the nation.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.2 mean for job seekers?
A location quotient of 1.2 signifies a slightly higher demand for Food Preparation Workers in this area relative to the national average. This could translate to more available positions or a more competitive job market.
How does the cost of living impact the $26,850 salary?
With a cost of living index of 100 (matching the national average), the $26,850 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the rest of the country.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in West Tennessee?
The location quotient of 1.2 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs, implying a steady presence of opportunities. However, the total workforce size indicates a moderate market rather than a booming one.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.942 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 West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area