Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Hot Springs, AR
Cooks in Hot Springs, Arkansas, earn an average annual salary of $29,930. This figure falls below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Hot Springs culinary scene. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for anyone considering a career in this field in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,420.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of approximately 600 individuals in this role, and a Location Quotient of 1.69, Hot Springs demonstrates a notable concentration of restaurant cooks relative to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary professionals within the city's hospitality sector, implying a stable job market for skilled cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Hot Springs, AR earns-20.6%below the national average.
$14.4
$576
$2,494
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for restaurant cooks across the nation have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation and increasing labor costs. It is reasonable to assume that cooks in Hot Springs have also experienced incremental salary growth, reflecting broader economic shifts and a sustained demand for their services.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Hot Springs, AR
Salary progression for cooks in Hot Springs, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while experienced chefs and specialized cooks can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile distribution of salaries would reveal substantial gaps between junior and senior roles, signifying clear 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) | $23,410 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,448 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,770 | $13.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,413 | $18 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,420 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,930 in Hot Springs, AR, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Hot Springs is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
15.947
Per 1K Jobs
1.69
Location Quotient
Hot Springs, AR has 1.7x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 1.69 for restaurant cooks in Hot Springs signifies that this profession is 69% more concentrated in the area than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand for cooks in Hot Springs, suggesting that the job market may be more competitive for employers seeking talent, and potentially offering more opportunities for job seekers compared to areas with lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,700↑ 6% | 43 mi |
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,370↓ 5% | 51 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,030↓ 3% | 51 mi |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,500↓ 5% | 51 mi |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,220↓ 6% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hot Springs, AR
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Hot Springs, AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Hot Springs, AR is $29,930. This typically ranges from $23,410 for entry-level positions to $35,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hot Springs, AR is 20.6% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Hot Springs, AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks in Hot Springs is significantly lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.
Is Hot Springs, AR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hot Springs, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hot Springs, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($31,700) and South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of cooks in Hot Springs compare nationally?
Hot Springs has 15.947 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, which is higher than the national average, suggesting a greater prevalence of this role within the local economy.
What is the significance of a Location Quotient of 1.69?
A Location Quotient of 1.69 means that the concentration of restaurant cooks in Hot Springs is 69% higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence and demand for this profession.
Does the cost of living in Hot Springs affect the salary?
The cost of living in Hot Springs is at the national average (100). This means the lower-than-average salary of $29,930 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, but it doesn't offset the lower nominal pay.
Are there many job opportunities for cooks in Hot Springs?
With a higher-than-average concentration (LQ 1.69) and a substantial local workforce, there appears to be a healthy number of job opportunities for cooks in Hot Springs.
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 Hot Springs, AR area with a job density of 15.947 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 Hot Springs, AR