Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the fast-food sector within the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $25,830. This figure falls below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of nonmetropolitan areas. The lower average pay is often a consequence of localized demand and the overall economic structure of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $28,700.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.84, indicating a presence slightly below the national average. With a total local workforce of 430 individuals in this role and 3.621 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears stable but not exceptionally high, suggesting a consistent but not rapidly expanding employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-17.0%below the national average.
$12.4
$497
$2,153
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role and region isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Fast Food across the nation, including nonmetropolitan areas, have seen incremental growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving labor market conditions, though the pace may vary significantly by location.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions usually command the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or shift supervisors can expect higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated skills, leadership abilities, and longer tenure within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $19,373 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $23,960 | $11.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,288 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,700 | $13.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,830 in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with 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 comparable to the national standard, as everyday expenses do not exceed the national average.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
3.621
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.84x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests that Cooks, Fast Food are slightly less concentrated in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This indicates a job market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area, implying a balanced competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,730↓ 0% | 17 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $25,830. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $28,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 17.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods.The average annual salary of $25,830 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower pay limits earning potential compared to other regions.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($25,730) and others.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 430 individuals suggests a moderately sized pool of existing employees, which can influence hiring competition and the availability of openings.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.84 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 indicates that the occupation is less prevalent than the national average, potentially meaning fewer specialized job opportunities but also less intense competition for general roles.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $25,830 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither cheaper nor more expensive than the national norm.
What is the typical career path for a fast-food cook?
Career paths often involve progressing from entry-level cook to roles like shift leader, assistant manager, or even restaurant manager, with corresponding increases in responsibility and salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.621 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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area