Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Arkansas
In Arkansas, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $29,400. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's culinary and service sectors. The lower average pay is often influenced by the state's overall economic landscape and the prevailing wage scales for service industry roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,150.
- Outlook: Arkansas boasts a substantial workforce of 110,230 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the concentration of these jobs in Arkansas is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles. The presence of 85.53 jobs per 1,000 workers further indicates a robust employment landscape for those in this field within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas earns-18.2%below the national average.
$14.1
$565
$2,450
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Arkansas's Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and increased demand for service industry workers likely contributed to incremental increases in average wages, though the pace and magnitude of these changes would be subject to local market dynamics.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Arkansas
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill level. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation illustrates clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on experience and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,420 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,050 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,320 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,750 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,150 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,558
Adjusted for COL (90.3)
The average annual salary of $29,400 in Arkansas for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations should be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index, which stands at 90.3. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of the nominal salary is somewhat enhanced due to lower everyday expenses. Therefore, while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the cost of living may offset some of this difference.
Job Market Context
110,230
Total Jobs
85.53
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Arkansas has 0.97x the national average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 0.97, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the number of jobs is proportionate to the national distribution. It suggests neither an oversupply nor a significant undersupply of these roles, implying a competitive yet accessible job market for individuals seeking employment in this sector within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $29,640↑ 1% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,300↓ 4% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Arkansas
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas is $29,400. This typically ranges from $23,420 for entry-level positions to $37,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 18.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $29,400 is below the national average, indicating lower earning potential in nominal terms. However, the lower cost of living may provide some financial relief.
Is Arkansas a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Arkansas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($29,640) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Arkansas salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas is $29,400, which is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the cost of living in Arkansas relative to the rest of the US?
Arkansas has a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, meaning it is approximately 9.7% cheaper to live in Arkansas than the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Arkansas?
The concentration of these jobs in Arkansas, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.97, is very close to the national average, suggesting a similar proportion of these jobs exist in the state compared to the nation.
What is the total number of workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas?
There are approximately 110,230 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110,230 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 85.53 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas