Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Jonesboro, AR
Cooks in the fast-food sector in Jonesboro, AR, earn an average annual salary of $25,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as regional demand and the cost of labor, play a significant role in compensation within this specific industry in Jonesboro.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,150.
- Outlook: The fast-food cook job market in Jonesboro, AR, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.56, indicating a higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. With a local workforce of 400 individuals in this profession, the demand appears stable, suggesting a consistent need for fast-food cooks within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Jonesboro, AR earns-17.3%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,147
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Jonesboro's fast-food cooks isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages for such roles, aiming to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain workforce stability.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Jonesboro, AR
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Jonesboro, AR, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food industry, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,130 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,320 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,920 | $12 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,200 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,150 | $14.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,760 for Fast Food Cooks in Jonesboro, AR, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, making the compensation relatively balanced within the local economic context.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
6.765
Per 1K Jobs
1.56
Location Quotient
Jonesboro, AR has 1.6x the national concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.56, Jonesboro, AR, exhibits a higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand for these services, potentially leading to more job opportunities but also indicating a competitive market where employers may leverage the available talent pool to manage wage expectations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $26,720↑ 4% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jonesboro, AR
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Jonesboro, AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Jonesboro, AR is $25,760. This typically ranges from $23,130 for entry-level positions to $30,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jonesboro, AR is 17.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Jonesboro, AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, Jonesboro, AR is not a particularly lucrative place for Fast Food Cooks based on average salary.The average annual salary of $25,760 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating a balanced but not high-paying market.
Is Jonesboro, AR a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Jonesboro, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jonesboro, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($26,720) and others.
How does the number of fast-food cooks in Jonesboro compare to the national average?
Jonesboro, AR has a higher concentration of fast-food cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.56, meaning there are more fast-food cooks per worker in Jonesboro than the national average.
What is the total number of fast-food cooks in Jonesboro, AR?
There are approximately 400 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in Jonesboro, AR.
Does experience impact a fast-food cook's salary in Jonesboro?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression for fast-food cooks, with senior roles typically earning more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living in Jonesboro affect the salary of a fast-food cook?
The cost of living in Jonesboro is at the national average (100), meaning the $25,760 average salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national average salary for the role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Jonesboro, AR area with a job density of 6.765 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Jonesboro, AR