Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,500. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $37,700, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different cost structure. The specific demand and supply dynamics within this nonmetropolitan region play a significant role in shaping compensation for restaurant cooks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,410.
- Outlook: The West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 660 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.8, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 7.568 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for culinary talent within the region's hospitality sector.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-24.4%below the national average.
$13.7
$548
$2,375
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would reflect an ongoing effort to keep compensation competitive within the local market and attract skilled individuals to the profession.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts a Cook's earning potential. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher wages. The percentile gaps in salary data for Cooks in West Arkansas would likely illustrate this progression, with senior roles occupying the higher percentiles, signifying substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,360 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,375 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,870 | $13.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,625 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,410 | $17 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,500 for Cooks in West Arkansas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary may seem lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay can support a similar standard of living.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
7.568
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.80x 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 0.8 for Cooks in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated with culinary professionals as in other regions. This could present opportunities for skilled cooks seeking employment, as the demand, though not exceptionally high, is consistent relative to the workforce size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $31,700↑ 11% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,930↑ 5% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $28,500. This typically ranges from $23,360 for entry-level positions to $35,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 24.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,500 is significantly below the national average of $37,700, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($31,700) and Hot Springs, AR.
What is the average salary for a Cook in West Arkansas?
The average annual salary for a Cook in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $28,500.
How does the West Arkansas Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $28,500 in West Arkansas is approximately $9,200 less than the national average salary of $37,700 for Cooks.
What is the Cost of Living in West Arkansas?
The Cost of Living Index in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How many Cooks are employed in West Arkansas?
There are approximately 660 Cooks employed in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, representing 7.568 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.568 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 West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area