Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $29,030. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor market dynamics of this region. Factors such as local demand, cost of doing business, and the overall economic structure of nonmetropolitan areas often contribute to these pay differentials.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,030.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in North Arkansas appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,030 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. With 8.64 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of this occupation is well-established within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-23.0%below the national average.
$14
$558
$2,419
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role and region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in North Arkansas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of living and a sustained demand for food services likely contribute to incremental salary adjustments, aiming to keep compensation competitive within the local market.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation highlight the potential for advancement and increased earning capacity as individuals develop specialized skills, take on more responsibility, and move into senior roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,430 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,773 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,020 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,288 | $17.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,030 | $17.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,030 in North Arkansas 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 income is comparable to the national standard. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area may find that their earnings, though seemingly less, can cover essential expenses at a similar rate to what they might experience elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
1,030
Total Jobs
8.64
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.92x 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 0.92, the job market for Cooks in North Arkansas is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in the region compared to the country as a whole. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,700↑ 9% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,930↑ 3% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $29,030. This typically ranges from $23,430 for entry-level positions to $36,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 23.0% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $29,030 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North 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 cost of living affect the Cooks' salary in North Arkansas?
The cost of living in North Arkansas is at the national average (100), meaning the $29,030 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
What is the concentration of Cooks jobs in North Arkansas compared to the rest of the US?
The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that Cooks jobs are slightly less concentrated in North Arkansas than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly abundant job market for this role.
How many Cooks jobs are there per thousand workers in North Arkansas?
There are approximately 8.64 jobs for Cooks per 1,000 workers in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, providing a measure of the occupation's prevalence within the local workforce.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in North Arkansas?
The total local workforce for Cooks in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area comprises 1,030 individuals, reflecting the size of this occupational group within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,030 employees in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.64 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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area