Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
In Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, Fast Food Cooks earn an average annual salary of $25,730. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as labor supply and demand, may be influencing compensation levels in this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,740.
- Outlook: The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area supports a substantial workforce of 1,820 Fast Food Cooks. With a Location Quotient of 1.19, indicating a concentration slightly above the national average, the demand for these roles appears robust and potentially growing within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-17.3%below the national average.
$12.4
$495
$2,144
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the fast-food industry, like many others, has experienced salary growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increased minimum wage discussions, and evolving labor market conditions likely contribute to a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trend in earnings for Fast Food Cooks in Little Rock.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the fast-food sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,350 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,298 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,900 | $12 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,163 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,740 | $14.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $25,730. With a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average, this salary offers purchasing power that aligns with the typical American standard, meaning that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of living does not exacerbate the difference.
Job Market Context
1,820
Total Jobs
5.169
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.19 for Fast Food Cooks in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for fast-food cooks in this metropolitan area is relatively competitive, with more opportunities available per capita than in many other regions across the United States.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,850↑ 0% | 17 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,830↑ 0% | 17 mi |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,890↑ 1% | 17 mi |
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $25,730. This typically ranges from $23,350 for entry-level positions to $29,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 17.3% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $25,730 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,130 for Fast Food Cooks.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($25,850) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size impact salary?
A local workforce of 1,820 Fast Food Cooks suggests a stable presence of these roles, but the salary is more influenced by the balance of supply and demand rather than sheer numbers.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.19 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates a higher concentration of Fast Food Cooks jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR than the national average, suggesting a potentially favorable market for job seekers in this field.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average, meaning the $25,730 salary has average purchasing power within Little Rock.
What are the typical career paths for Fast Food Cooks?
Career paths often involve moving from entry-level cook to shift leader, assistant manager, or even store manager, with corresponding increases in salary and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,820 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 5.169 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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR