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Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Arkansas

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $31,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state. The pay scale in Arkansas for this role is influenced by the local cost of living and the overall economic landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,400.
  • Outlook: Arkansas boasts a substantial workforce of approximately 6,700 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. The location quotient of 1.79 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Arkansas compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established presence for this occupation within the state's job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,160

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arkansas earns-18.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15

Weekly

$599

Monthly

$2,597

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Arkansas

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Arkansas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between different experience levels signify clear career progression pathways within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$25,930$12.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,370$11.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,700$14.3
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,950$18.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$38,400$18.5

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,507

Adjusted for COL (90.3)

The average annual salary of $31,160 in Arkansas for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 90.3. This index, which is below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary may offer a relatively good purchasing power within the state, potentially offsetting the lower average pay compared to national figures.

Job Market Context

6,700

Total Jobs

5.198

Per 1K Jobs

1.79

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Arkansas has 1.8x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 1.79, Arkansas exhibits a concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs that is 79% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong and relatively abundant job market for these professionals within the state, suggesting that employers actively seek and retain talent in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria

CitySalaryDist.
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$31,720↑ 2%17 mi
Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary$29,340↓ 6%51 mi

Comparing salaries near Arkansas

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arkansas is $31,160. This typically ranges from $25,930 for entry-level positions to $38,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 18.3% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

No, but cost of living offers some advantage.While the average salary of $31,160 is below the national average, Arkansas's lower cost of living (90.3) means that earnings may stretch further than in higher-cost regions.

Is Arkansas a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

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 ($31,720) and Hot Springs, AR.

What is the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arkansas?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arkansas is $31,160.

How does Arkansas's salary for this role compare to the national average?

The average salary in Arkansas ($31,160) is lower than the national average ($38,130).

Is there high demand for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arkansas?

Yes, the location quotient of 1.79 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs in Arkansas compared to the national average, suggesting strong demand.

How does the cost of living in Arkansas affect salary perception?

Arkansas has a cost of living index of 90.3, which is below the national average. This means that the $31,160 salary may provide a better standard of living than the nominal figure suggests when compared to national averages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,700 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 5.198 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas