Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,370. This figure falls notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand for culinary professionals in this area. The lower average salary reflects the unique economic landscape of nonmetropolitan South Arkansas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,530.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, with a total local workforce of 540, presents a moderate employment base. The location quotient of 0.48 suggests that this occupation is less concentrated here compared to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these roles within the region's specific economic context.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-24.7%below the national average.
$13.6
$546
$2,364
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase is typical across many service industry roles as businesses adapt to changing economic conditions and labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on more responsibility.
| 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) | $21,278 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,560 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,463 | $17 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,530 | $17.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,370 in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area 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 comparable to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for residents.
Job Market Context
540
Total Jobs
4.551
Per 1K Jobs
0.48
Location Quotient
At 0.48x, South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.48, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while there are jobs available, the profession is not as prevalent or in as high demand relative to other occupations when compared to national benchmarks, suggesting a less competitive but also less robust job market for this specific role.
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↑ 5% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $28,370. This typically ranges from $23,430 for entry-level positions to $35,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 24.7% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary is significantly lower than the national average, and the job market concentration is below the national average, indicating less demand and earning potential.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South 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 salary compare to the national average?
Cooks in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn approximately $28,370 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The cost of living in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is at the national average, with an index of 100.
How many Cooks, Restaurant work in this area?
There are approximately 540 Cooks, Restaurant employed in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Cooks in this region?
The demand is moderate, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.48, which is below the national average, suggesting the role is less concentrated here than nationally.
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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.551 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area