Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,250. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific pay scales in this area are influenced by local demand and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Arkansas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,530.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area appears robust, indicated by a substantial local workforce of 890 individuals. The high Location Quotient of 2.56 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying strong local demand and fewer competing regions for this specific occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-20.7%below the national average.
$14.5
$582
$2,521
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in South Arkansas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and inflation typically drive up wages for essential roles like institutional cooks, even in nonmetropolitan areas, though the pace of growth may differ from urban centers.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills and supervisory experience can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $25,470 | $12.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,688 | $10.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,010 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,813 | $18.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,530 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,250
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $30,250 in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
7.433
Per 1K Jobs
2.56
Location Quotient
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 2.6x 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 2.56, the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles relative to the national average. This indicates a competitive market where demand for these professionals is significantly higher than the national benchmark, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a more dynamic employment landscape for cooks in the region.
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↑ 5% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $29,340↓ 3% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $30,250. This typically ranges from $25,470 for entry-level positions to $36,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 20.7% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks is significantly lower than the national average. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily high pay.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South 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 impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 890 indicates a substantial pool of existing roles and potential opportunities for new cooks entering the market in South Arkansas.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.56 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 2.56 signifies that cooks are more than twice as concentrated in South Arkansas compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand and more specialized job market for this role.
How does the cost of living affect the $30,250 salary?
Since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), the $30,250 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for cooks in this area?
With 7.433 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a notable presence of cook positions relative to the overall workforce in South Arkansas, indicating consistent employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.433 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area