Food Preparation Workers Salary in Alabama
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - AL
Median Annual Salary in Alabama
$25,573
$12.29 / hour
▼ 12.0% below national avg
National Median
$29,060
$13.97 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$28,637
Missouri equivalent (COL: 89.3)
Food Preparation Workers Salary in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $13,554 |
| 25th Percentile | $18,413 |
| 50th (Median) | $25,573 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,291 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $43,986 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Alabama median salary of $25,573 for Food Preparation Workers has the purchasing power of approximately $28,637 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Alabama's lower cost of living (COL index: 89.3) means your salary goes further than in higher-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in Alabama?
Food Preparation Workers in Alabama earn a median annual salary of $25,573 per year ($12.29/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $29,060.
Is Alabama a good state for Food Preparation Workers?
Alabama pays slightly below the national average for food preparation workers. Cost of living in Alabama is lower average (COL index: 89.3).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Food Preparation Workers in Alabama?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 89.3 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $25,573 salary in Alabama has the purchasing power of approximately $28,637 in Missouri. Lower living costs in Alabama increase real purchasing power.
How does Alabama compare to neighboring states for Food Preparation Workers salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Food Preparation Workers salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Alabama
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $292,336 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $272,730 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $269,474 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $260,128 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $259,178 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $239,254 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $219,822 |
| 8 | Physicians, Pathologists | $214,650 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Food Preparation Workers in Alabama
Food Preparation Workers work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the food service sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: No formal credential