In the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $29,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as the cost of labor and demand, play a significant role in determining compensation within this sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,260.
- Outlook: The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area employs a substantial 30,900 individuals within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.99, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these services within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-17.6%below the national average.
$14.3
$570
$2,470
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Little Rock is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations sector have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving labor market conditions.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation with acquired skills and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,440 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,230 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,340 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,050 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,260 | $17.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,640 in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
30,900
Total Jobs
87.562
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.99 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR suggests that the industry's presence is almost identical to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are readily available but not necessarily in oversupply, reflecting a healthy balance between job seekers and available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $29,640. This typically ranges from $23,440 for entry-level positions to $37,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 17.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,640 is below the national average of $35,960, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($27,830) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $29,640.
How does the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($29,640) is lower than the national average of $35,960 for this occupation.
What is the Cost of Living in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR compared to the nation?
The concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.99.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30,900 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 87.562 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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR