In the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $27,960. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific labor market dynamics of this area. The lower average salary is often influenced by the cost of doing business and the prevailing wage scales within nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,740.
- Outlook: The local job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Arkansas comprises approximately 4,890 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 71.708 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-22.2%below the national average.
$13.4
$538
$2,330
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in nonmetropolitan areas like East Arkansas have seen modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing operational costs for businesses, and a gradual rise in minimum wage laws, though the pace may differ from more urbanized regions.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector, salary progression is typically tied to experience and skill development. 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 percentile gaps in earnings highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential for dedicated individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,140 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,970 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,380 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,950 | $16.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,740 | $16.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,960 in East 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. Consequently, the $27,960 earned locally offers a similar lifestyle standard to what $35,960 might provide in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
4,890
Total Jobs
71.708
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.81x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.81 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Arkansas indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the jobs are present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, and there may be moderate competition for available positions. Employers may find a steady pool of candidates, but attracting specialized talent could require competitive compensation within the local context.
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↑ 6% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,300↑ 1% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $27,960. This typically ranges from $23,140 for entry-level positions to $34,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 22.2% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $27,960 is significantly lower than the national average. While the cost of living matches the national average, the lower pay scale limits the overall earning potential in this region.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($29,640) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the East Arkansas salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in East Arkansas is $27,960, which is notably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in East Arkansas compared to the nation?
The Cost of Living Index in East Arkansas is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable.
How many people work in Food Preparation in East Arkansas?
There are approximately 4,890 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation jobs in East Arkansas?
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,890 employees in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 71.708 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 East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area