Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $30,070. This figure falls below the national average of $38,130, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor demands of this region. Localized pay rates are often influenced by factors such as the cost of doing business, regional economic strength, and the overall supply and demand for specific skill sets within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,910.
- Outlook: The West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 690 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 2.75, this occupation is significantly more concentrated in this region compared to the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a specialized job market for these culinary roles.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-21.1%below the national average.
$14.5
$578
$2,506
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in West Arkansas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation. As the cost of living and operational expenses potentially rise, employers often adjust compensation to remain competitive and retain skilled staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
For Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in West Arkansas, salary progression typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with advanced culinary skills or supervisory experience can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching higher percentiles of the salary range.
| 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) | $22,553 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,870 | $13.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,588 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,910 | $17.7 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,070 in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average cost of living (Index 100). This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by a balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
7.985
Per 1K Jobs
2.75
Location Quotient
West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 2.8x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.75 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Arkansas signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where demand for these skills is notably higher than in many other regions, offering unique opportunities for local employment.
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↓ 2% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $30,070. This typically ranges from $24,490 for entry-level positions to $36,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 21.1% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary for Cooks in this region is significantly lower than the national average. The high concentration of jobs suggests demand, but not necessarily high compensation.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($31,720) and Hot Springs, AR.
What is the average salary for Cooks in West Arkansas?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $30,070.
How does the West Arkansas salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in West Arkansas ($30,070) is lower than the national average salary of $38,130 for this occupation.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.75 mean for this job market?
A Location Quotient of 2.75 indicates that Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs are 2.75 times more concentrated in West Arkansas than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in West Arkansas affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, West Arkansas is at the national average. This means the $30,070 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.985 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 West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area