In the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $28,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $35,960, reflecting the economic landscape and specific labor demands of this region. Factors such as local industry concentration and the overall economic output of nonmetropolitan areas often contribute to these salary differentials.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,620.
- Outlook: The West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area supports a substantial workforce of 7,640 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1, the concentration of these jobs aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting a stable and established presence of this sector within the local economy. The density of 88.041 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-21.7%below the national average.
$13.5
$542
$2,347
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 observed that roles within the food preparation and serving sector have experienced steady, albeit modest, salary growth over the past four years across many nonmetropolitan areas. This trend is often driven by increases in the cost of living and a gradual upward pressure on wages to attract and retain essential service workers.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Within the Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, salary progression is typically tied to experience and responsibility. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding dedication and skill development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,230 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,120 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,410 | $12.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,200 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,620 | $17.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,160 in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area aligns directly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This suggests that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is relatively stable when compared to the rest of the country, making the cost of essential goods and services comparable.
Job Market Context
7,640
Total Jobs
88.041
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Arkansas indicates that the concentration of these jobs is exactly at the national average. This suggests a balanced labor market where the demand for these roles is neither exceptionally high nor low relative to other occupations within the region, implying a steady but not overly competitive environment for job seekers.
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↑ 5% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $28,300↑ 0% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near West 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 West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $28,160. This typically ranges from $23,230 for entry-level positions to $35,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 21.7% lower than the national median of $35,960.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
No, it is not considered particularly lucrative.The average salary of $28,160 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage suggests less earning potential.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West 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 West Arkansas salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Arkansas is $28,160, which is considerably lower than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1?
An LQ of 1 means that the proportion of jobs in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in West Arkansas is the same as the national average. This indicates a standard level of industry concentration.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary in West Arkansas?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $28,160 salary in West Arkansas offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal amount.
What is the total number of people employed in these roles in West Arkansas?
There are approximately 7,640 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,640 employees in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 88.041 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 West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area