SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK

In Fort Smith, AR-OK, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,100. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local economic factors and market demand play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,100 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,080.
  • Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK area supports a substantial workforce of 8,390 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the concentration of these jobs is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,100

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-21.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.5

Weekly

$540

Monthly

$2,342

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or specialized positions can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps reflecting this advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$21,075$10.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,680$12.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,125$16.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,080$17.3

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,100

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,100

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $28,100 in Fort Smith, AR-OK 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 salary locally is comparable to the national standard.

Job Market Context

8,390

Total Jobs

86.996

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.99x 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 0.99, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK is neither significantly over-represented nor under-represented compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced market where job opportunities are readily available but competition may be present.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations

CitySalaryDist.
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary$31,260↑ 11%51 mi
Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary$28,300↑ 1%96 mi

Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK

Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $28,100. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $36,080 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 21.9% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $28,100 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.

Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

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 ($31,260) and Hot Springs, AR.

How many Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs are there in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

There are approximately 8,390 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area.

What is the job concentration for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Fort Smith, AR-OK?

The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.99, which is very close to the national average of 1.0.

How does the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK compare to the national average?

Fort Smith, AR-OK has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations nationally?

The national average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is $35,960.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,390 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 86.996 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK