Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR area earn an average annual salary of $33,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in the region influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic landscape of Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers plays a significant role in shaping the pay scales for its culinary workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,410.
- Outlook: The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers area supports a substantial workforce of 1,290 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.66, this indicates a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, signaling robust local demand and a potentially competitive job market for skilled individuals in this field. The presence of nearly 5 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active employment landscape for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR earns-11.2%below the national average.
$16.3
$651
$2,821
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the culinary sector, including institutional and cafeteria cooks, has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth likely translates to incremental salary increases, driven by inflation, rising demand for food services, and the need to attract and retain qualified staff in a competitive environment.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, with senior cooks and those in supervisory roles occupying the higher salary brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,270 | $13.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,388 | $12.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $32,540 | $15.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,313 | $20.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $40,410 | $19.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $33,850 in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,290
Total Jobs
4.818
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR has 1.7x 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 1.66, the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metropolitan area demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria positions compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is more robust and potentially more competitive locally than in many other regions, offering more opportunities but also requiring individuals to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith, AR-OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,090↓ 14% | 51 mi |
| Joplin, MO-KS Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $31,950↓ 6% | 72 mi |
| Springfield, MO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $32,820↓ 3% | 91 mi |
| Tulsa, OK Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,120↓ 11% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR is $33,850. This typically ranges from $27,270 for entry-level positions to $40,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR is 11.2% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $33,850 is below the national average of $38,130. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 1.66) indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fort Smith, AR-OK ($29,090) and Joplin, MO-KS.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR is $33,850, which is $4,280 less than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.66, indicating that these jobs are 66% more prevalent in this area than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR?
The cost of living in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $33,850 salary has the same purchasing power as a national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in the area?
There are approximately 1,290 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,290 employees in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR area with a job density of 4.818 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 Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR