In the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $28,080. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the area's food service industry. The cost of living in this region aligns perfectly with the national average, making the salary a direct reflection of local market conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,260.
- Outlook: The food preparation and serving sector in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 10,670 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the concentration of these jobs is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the local economy. The presence of nearly 90 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the robustness and importance of this occupational group to the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-21.9%below the national average.
$13.5
$540
$2,340
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving consumer demand for food services, leading to modest but consistent upward adjustments in compensation.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations field, career progression typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often represent the lower end of the salary spectrum, while extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles command higher compensation. The discernible gaps between salary percentiles highlight the opportunities for advancement and the financial rewards associated with developing expertise and taking on greater responsibility within the industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,330 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,060 | $10.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,770 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,260 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,080 in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by food preparation and serving workers in this region holds purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Consequently, while the salary is lower than the national average for the occupation, it is balanced by the local cost of living, suggesting a stable financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
10,670
Total Jobs
89.657
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area exhibits a job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a balanced market where the demand for these services is neither exceptionally high nor particularly low compared to the rest of the country. The job market is competitive but stable, with opportunities available for those entering or already established in the field.
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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $28,080. This typically ranges from $23,330 for entry-level positions to $35,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 21.9% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $28,080 is significantly lower than the national average of $35,960 for this occupation. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, which mitigates some of the disparity.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North 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 local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $28,080, which is notably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the size of the workforce in this sector locally?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area comprises 10,670 individuals.
How concentrated are these jobs in North Arkansas compared to the nation?
The concentration of these jobs, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.02, indicating a presence very close to the national average, with a slight overrepresentation in the region.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
Yes, the cost of living index in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is the national average. This means the $28,080 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average for the role.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,670 employees in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 89.657 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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area