Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,830. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks compared to more urbanized areas. The specific needs and economic structure of this nonmetropolitan region directly influence compensation levels for these essential food service professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,900.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 470 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 2.39 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs relative to the general workforce in this region. This suggests a strong local demand and a specialized labor market for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-21.8%below the national average.
$14.3
$574
$2,486
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in East Arkansas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased operational costs for institutions, and a growing awareness of the importance of skilled culinary staff likely contribute to incremental salary increases, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Within the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, like most regions, salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with extensive experience, specialized certifications, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,490 | $11.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,373 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,000 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,288 | $17.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,900 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,830 in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly 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 equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to this area for this role does not present a disadvantage in terms of cost of living impacting disposable income.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
6.949
Per 1K Jobs
2.39
Location Quotient
East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 2.4x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.39 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area signifies a significantly concentrated job market. This indicates that these roles are more prevalent in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a specialized industry presence that relies heavily on this type of labor. Employers may find it more competitive to attract talent from outside the immediate area due to this concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,720↑ 6% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,340↓ 2% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $29,830. This typically ranges from $24,490 for entry-level positions to $36,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 21.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, it is not a lucrative place compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,830 is substantially lower than the national average of $38,130. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($31,720) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks?
With 470 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed locally, the workforce size indicates a stable presence of these roles, suggesting consistent demand within the region's institutions and cafeterias.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.39 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.39 means that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are more than twice as common in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area as they are nationwide, indicating a strong local specialization and potentially higher demand.
How does the cost of living impact the $29,830 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,830 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have nationally, meaning expenses are neither cheaper nor more expensive than the typical American city.
Are there many job openings for Cooks in this area?
While the total workforce is 470, the high Location Quotient suggests that these jobs are a significant part of the local economy, implying a steady stream of opportunities, though perhaps not rapid expansion.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.949 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area