Average Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $25,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $31,240. Local economic factors and a concentrated workforce likely contribute to this pay differential, shaping the compensation landscape for these essential service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $25,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $30,040.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK market supports a substantial workforce of 2,860 Fast Food and Counter Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.21, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, the demand for these roles appears robust and potentially growing within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-17.9%below the national average.
$12.3
$493
$2,138
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and evolving market demands for service industry professionals.
Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, such as shift supervisor or assistant manager. While specific percentile salary data is unavailable, it's expected that experienced workers command higher wages, with significant gaps between entry-level and senior positions reflecting increased responsibility and skill acquisition.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,880 | $11 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,245 | $9.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $24,610 | $11.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $32,075 | $15.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $30,040 | $14.4 |
Detailed Fast Food and Counter Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$25,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$25,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $25,660 in Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
2,860
Total Jobs
29.61
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Fast Food and Counter Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.21 signifies that Fort Smith, AR-OK has 21% more Fast Food and Counter Worker jobs per capita than the national average. This suggests a relatively abundant job market for these positions, potentially leading to increased competition among job seekers but also indicating a strong presence and demand for these services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $28,700↑ 12% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Fast Food and Counter Workers Salary | $25,790↑ 1% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Fast Food and Counter Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Fast Food and Counter Workers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $25,660. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $30,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 17.9% lower than the national median of $31,240.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the Cost of Living is average, the nominal salary of $25,660 is significantly lower than the national average of $31,240. The market is concentrated, but this doesn't translate to higher pay in this specific role.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($28,700) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Fort Smith, AR-OK salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $25,660, which is $5,580 less than the national average of $31,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Fort Smith, AR-OK has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, there is a higher concentration of these jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK compared to the national average, suggesting a solid demand within the local market.
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers are there in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The total local workforce for Fast Food and Counter Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK comprises 2,860 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,860 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 29.61 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Fast Food and Counter Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK