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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Jonesboro, AR

In Jonesboro, AR, the average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant positions stands at $31,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that local economic factors and the specific demand within the Jonesboro culinary scene influence compensation levels for these vital roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,370 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,600.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Jonesboro, AR, comprises a workforce of 540 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,370

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Jonesboro, AR earns-16.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.1

Weekly

$603

Monthly

$2,614

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Jonesboro, AR

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Jonesboro, AR, is typically tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned chefs with specialized culinary expertise and leadership capabilities can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentiles reflecting this advanced earning potential and career growth.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$26,190$12.6
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,528$11.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,570$14.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$39,213$18.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,600$17.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,370

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$31,370

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $31,370 in Jonesboro, AR, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income in Jonesboro is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.

Job Market Context

540

Total Jobs

9.024

Per 1K Jobs

0.96

Location Quotient

Below Average

Jonesboro, AR has 0.96x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.96 for Cooks, Restaurant in Jonesboro, AR, indicates that the employment concentration for this occupation is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive but not oversaturated market, where job opportunities are present in a volume consistent with the size of the local workforce relative to national trends.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,700↑ 7%64 mi

Comparing salaries near Jonesboro, AR

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Jonesboro, AR?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Jonesboro, AR is $31,370. This typically ranges from $26,190 for entry-level positions to $36,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Jonesboro, AR is 16.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Jonesboro, AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $31,370 is below the national average, though the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is Jonesboro, AR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Jonesboro, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Jonesboro, AR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($33,700) and others.

How does the Jonesboro restaurant cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Jonesboro, AR is $31,370, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Jonesboro, AR?

Jonesboro, AR has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How many restaurant cooks are there in Jonesboro, AR?

There are approximately 540 Cooks, Restaurant employed in Jonesboro, AR, representing about 9.024 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Is the job market for restaurant cooks strong in Jonesboro, AR?

The job market is stable, with a Location Quotient of 0.96, indicating a concentration of restaurant cooks that is very close to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Jonesboro, AR area with a job density of 9.024 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Jonesboro, AR