SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Hot Springs, AR

In Hot Springs, AR, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,300. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the overall economic landscape of the region, play a significant role in compensation levels for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $28,300 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,630.
  • Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hot Springs, AR, appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 5,020 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Hot Springs compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$28,300

The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hot Springs, AR earns-21.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.6

Weekly

$544

Monthly

$2,358

Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Hot Springs, AR

Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hot Springs, AR, generally leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation as individuals gain skills and take on more responsibility.

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)$21,225$10.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$26,800$12.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$35,375$17
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$35,630$17.1

Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$28,300

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$28,300

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $28,300 in Hot Springs, AR, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Hot Springs is aligned with the national average, indicating that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services is also at the national benchmark, offering a balanced economic environment.

Job Market Context

5,020

Total Jobs

132.566

Per 1K Jobs

1.5

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Hot Springs, AR has 1.5x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.5, Hot Springs, AR, demonstrates a significant concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is more abundant with these opportunities than in many other areas, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for job seekers but also indicating a strong presence and demand for these roles within the local industry.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Hot Springs, AR?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hot Springs, AR is $28,300. This typically ranges from $22,880 for entry-level positions to $35,630 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hot Springs, AR is 21.3% lower than the national median of $35,960.

Is Hot Springs, AR a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?

No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $28,300 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960 for these roles.

Is Hot Springs, AR a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Hot Springs, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Hot Springs, AR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($29,640) and South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

Hot Springs, AR, has 132.566 jobs per 1,000 workers in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, indicating a higher prevalence of these roles locally compared to the national average.

What is the total number of people employed in these roles in Hot Springs?

There are 5,020 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Hot Springs, AR, representing a substantial portion of the local workforce.

Does the cost of living in Hot Springs affect the salary significantly?

The cost of living in Hot Springs is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $28,300 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary benchmark.

Is the job market for food preparation roles concentrated in Hot Springs?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.5 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 50% more concentrated in Hot Springs than the national average, indicating a strong local presence.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,020 employees in the Hot Springs, AR area with a job density of 132.566 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.