In the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $27,830. This figure falls below the national average of $35,960, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different market demand for these roles. The specific economic landscape of this region significantly influences compensation levels for service industry positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,210.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,630 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 0.82, the job market in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area indicates a presence that is slightly less concentrated than the national average. While not a major hub for this sector, the existing workforce suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential service roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-22.6%below the national average.
$13.4
$535
$2,319
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and occupation is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations across the United States have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, increased minimum wage laws, and a persistent demand for service industry workers, suggesting a gradual upward trajectory for earnings in this field.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a salary increase with experience. 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 clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,350 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,873 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,290 | $12.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,788 | $16.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,210 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,830 in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area 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, suggesting that the lower wages are offset by lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
8,630
Total Jobs
72.139
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.82x 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 0.82 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area indicates that this sector is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average. This suggests that while the jobs exist, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions.
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↑ 7% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,300↑ 2% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near South 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $27,830. This typically ranges from $23,350 for entry-level positions to $35,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 22.6% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $27,830 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average. This indicates that while expenses are not higher, the earning potential is notably diminished compared to other regions.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $27,830, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
How many people work in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations locally?
There are approximately 8,630 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation workers in this area?
With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,630 employees in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 72.139 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area