Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $29,090. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region for these roles likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,210.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 600 individuals in this role, Fort Smith presents a concentrated market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria. The Location Quotient of 2.14 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust local demand that may offer stable employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-23.7%below the national average.
$14
$559
$2,424
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith's institutional cooks is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for skilled positions like these.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Smith typically correlates with experience and skill level. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs or those with specialized culinary skills can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different percentiles reflects these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,170 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,818 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,800 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,363 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,210 | $16.9 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,090 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, 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 within Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, making it a neutral factor in relocation decisions based on cost.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
6.215
Per 1K Jobs
2.14
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 2.1x 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 2.14 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Smith signifies a market where these roles are more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and potentially fewer candidates per opening, indicating a favorable environment for job seekers in this specific culinary sector within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $33,850↑ 16% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,340↑ 1% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $29,090. This typically ranges from $23,170 for entry-level positions to $35,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 23.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but it is concentrated.While the average salary of $29,090 is below the national average, the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.14) suggests strong local demand and stability for this profession.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($33,850) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK compare to the national average?
Fort Smith, AR-OK has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.14. This indicates that jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more than twice as common in Fort Smith compared to the national average.
How many Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
There are approximately 6.215 jobs per 1,000 workers for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Smith, AR-OK, reflecting the local demand for this occupation.
What is the total workforce size for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The total local workforce for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Fort Smith, AR-OK is estimated to be around 600 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 6.215 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK