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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Arkansas

Cooks in fast-food establishments across Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $25,980, which is notably below the national average of $31,130. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the overall cost of labor within the state, and the specific demand dynamics for this role in Arkansas's job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,980 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,040.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,980 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 1.07, the market for fast-food cooks in Arkansas indicates a concentration slightly above the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals within the state's food service sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,980

The average Cooks, Fast Food in Arkansas earns-16.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.5

Weekly

$500

Monthly

$2,165

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Arkansas

The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in Arkansas typically widens significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and supervisory skills can command salaries substantially higher, reflecting the progression and increased responsibility associated with senior roles.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$22,880$11
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,485$9.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$24,700$11.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,475$15.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$30,040$14.4

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,980

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,771

Adjusted for COL (90.3)

The average annual salary of $25,980 in Arkansas needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 90.3, which is below the national average of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is relatively stronger within Arkansas, mitigating some of the impact of the lower wage.

Job Market Context

5,980

Total Jobs

4.64

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Arkansas has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.07 signifies that Arkansas has a slightly higher concentration of fast-food cooks relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market for this role is moderately competitive, with a presence that aligns closely with, but slightly exceeds, national employment patterns for this occupation.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Fast Food Salary$25,730↓ 1%17 mi

Comparing salaries near Arkansas

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Arkansas is $25,980. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $30,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 16.5% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $25,980 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the lower cost of living in Arkansas does offer some relative purchasing power.

Is Arkansas a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Arkansas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($25,730) and others.

What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook in Arkansas?

The average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook in Arkansas is $25,980.

How does the Arkansas salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Arkansas ($25,980) is lower than the national average salary of $31,130 for Fast Food Cooks.

What is the Cost of Living Index in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, which is below the national average of 100.

How concentrated is the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a Location Quotient of 1.07 for Fast Food Cooks, indicating a concentration slightly above the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,980 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 4.64 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas