Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Cooks in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area earn an average annual salary of $31,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the region's culinary sector likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,080.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,040 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 0.91, the job market in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, shows a concentration very close to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for culinary professionals within the area, indicating a consistent need for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-15.9%below the national average.
$15.2
$610
$2,642
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and potential increases in the cost of living or demand for skilled kitchen staff.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of earnings.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,550 | $12.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,775 | $11.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,810 | $14.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,625 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,080 | $17.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,700 in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
3,040
Total Jobs
8.604
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR has 0.91x 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 0.91 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately represented compared to other job sectors in the region, implying a moderately competitive job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,370↓ 11% | 17 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,030↓ 8% | 17 mi |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,500↓ 10% | 17 mi |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $28,220↓ 11% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,930↓ 6% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $31,700. This typically ranges from $26,550 for entry-level positions to $37,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 15.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Cooks, Restaurant is below the national average, indicating less earning potential in this specific role.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($28,370) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compare nationally?
With 8.604 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of Cooks, Restaurant roles in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is slightly below the national average, as indicated by the Location Quotient of 0.91.
What is the total number of Cooks, Restaurant employed in the area?
There are approximately 3,040 individuals employed as Cooks, Restaurant within the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area.
Does experience impact a Cook's salary in Little Rock?
Yes, like most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Senior cooks with specialized skills and a proven track record will earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the Cook salary in Little Rock?
The cost of living in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $31,700 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being lower than the national average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,040 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 8.604 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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR