Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Cooks in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $31,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130 for the same profession. Local economic factors and the specific demand within institutional and cafeteria settings likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,760.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,360 individuals in this role, the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway area demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.32. This suggests a demand for these services that is 32% higher than the national average, pointing to a robust job market for this specific culinary segment.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-16.8%below the national average.
$15.3
$610
$2,643
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for prepared meals, and evolving labor market conditions likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify distinct levels of expertise and career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,400 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,790 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,850 | $14.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,650 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $38,760 | $18.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $31,720 in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average for the profession, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national average.
Job Market Context
1,360
Total Jobs
3.85
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.32 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for this role is more abundant locally than it is nationwide, potentially leading to increased competition for positions but also signifying a strong presence and demand for these culinary professionals within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,250↓ 5% | 17 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,090↓ 5% | 17 mi |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $30,070↓ 5% | 17 mi |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,830↓ 6% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,340↓ 8% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $31,720. This typically ranges from $26,400 for entry-level positions to $38,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 16.8% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, 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 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is significantly lower than the national average. The higher concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($30,250) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR salary for Cooks compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $31,720, which is below the national average of $38,130.
What is the job concentration for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.32, indicating that this profession is 32% more concentrated in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $31,720 salary has the same purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area?
There are approximately 1,360 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 3.85 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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR