Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,220. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700. The prevailing wage in this region is influenced by local economic conditions and a potentially lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized areas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,140.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in East Arkansas appears stable, with a total local workforce of 380 individuals in this role. The location quotient of 0.59 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a moderate but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-25.1%below the national average.
$13.6
$543
$2,352
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in East Arkansas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward movement, though potentially modest, would reflect an ongoing effort to keep compensation competitive within the local labor market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks in East Arkansas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,370 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,165 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,550 | $13.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,275 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,140 | $17.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $28,220 in East Arkansas 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, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower wage is balanced by lower expenses.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
5.572
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.59x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.59, the market for Cooks in East Arkansas is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are dedicated roles, the overall demand or prevalence of this specific occupation is lower compared to other job sectors within the region, making it a less saturated, but potentially more competitive, job market for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,700↑ 12% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,930↑ 6% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $28,220. This typically ranges from $23,370 for entry-level positions to $36,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 25.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $28,220 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($31,700) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the number of Cooks in East Arkansas compare to the national average?
With 5.572 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of Cooks in East Arkansas is below the national average, as indicated by a location quotient of 0.59.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in East Arkansas?
There are approximately 380 Cooks employed within the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience impact a Cook's salary in East Arkansas?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less than senior or highly skilled Cooks, reflecting a clear path for salary growth.
How does the cost of living in East Arkansas affect the Cook salary?
The cost of living in East Arkansas is at the national average (100), meaning the $28,220 salary offers 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 380 employees in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.572 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area