Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
In the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, Cooks, Fast Food earn an average annual salary of $25,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,130, reflecting regional economic factors and labor market dynamics specific to this locale. The lower average pay is often influenced by the cost of labor and the overall economic structure of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% ↗ 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a total local workforce of approximately 500 individuals in this role. A Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent demand that aligns with broader national trends. With 4.18 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of this profession is well-established within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-17.0%below the national average.
$12.4
$497
$2,154
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages for service industry positions like fast-food cooks, even in nonmetropolitan settings. These adjustments aim to maintain competitive compensation and reflect evolving labor market conditions.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Fast Food typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often 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, where demonstrated skill, reliability, and potentially leadership abilities lead to increased compensation over time.
| 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) | $19,388 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $25,120 | $12.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,313 | $15.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $28,700 | $13.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,850 in the South 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 for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area may find their earnings stretch similarly to what they would experience in a typical U.S. location, despite the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
4.18
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.96x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of available positions is relatively proportional to the number of workers in the field compared to the rest of the country. It indicates neither a significant oversupply nor a pronounced shortage of fast-food cooks within this specific region.
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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $25,850. 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 17.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is South 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 $25,850 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($25,730) and others.
How does the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area compare to national averages for Fast Food Cooks?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $25,850, which is lower than the national average of $31,130. However, the cost of living is at the national average, making the local purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the job concentration for Fast Food Cooks in this region?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.96, which is very close to the national average of 1.0. This indicates that the proportion of Fast Food Cook jobs in this area is similar to the national proportion.
How many Fast Food Cooks are employed in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 500 individuals employed as Cooks, Fast Food in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience impact salary for Fast Food Cooks in this area?
Yes, similar to national trends, experience typically leads to higher salaries for Fast Food Cooks. Senior roles and demonstrated skills generally command better pay, with percentile gaps reflecting career advancement opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.18 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area