Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
In the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $26,560. This figure falls notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized culinary roles compared to more urbanized centers. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within East Arkansas directly influence this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $26,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $29,600.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.65, the job market in East Arkansas for this profession is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these roles within the region, indicating a steady employment environment rather than one characterized by high growth or intense competition.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-21.4%below the national average.
$12.8
$511
$2,213
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for East Arkansas is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Food Preparation Workers nationwide have experienced modest growth over the past four years, driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This trend likely extends to the East Arkansas region, with incremental increases in average pay reflecting broader economic shifts and a sustained need for these essential services.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in specialized areas or supervisory roles can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within East Arkansas signify these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,290 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $19,920 | $9.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,710 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $33,200 | $16 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $29,600 | $14.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$26,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$26,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $26,560 in East Arkansas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective financial impact of the salary comparable to the national level.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
3.736
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.65x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers 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 0.65 indicates that Food Preparation Worker jobs are less prevalent in East Arkansas compared to the national average. This suggests a less competitive market with potentially fewer job openings relative to the overall workforce size, but also implies that individuals with these skills may find a more specialized niche within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,080↑ 9% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,640↑ 8% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $26,560. This typically ranges from $23,290 for entry-level positions to $29,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 21.4% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $26,560 is significantly lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that matches the national benchmark.
Is East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($29,080) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 3.736 jobs per 1,000 workers, East Arkansas has a lower concentration of Food Preparation Worker roles compared to the national average, indicating fewer opportunities relative to the general labor pool.
What is the impact of the low Location Quotient on job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, such as 0.65, suggests that Food Preparation Worker roles are less common in East Arkansas than elsewhere in the country, potentially leading to fewer available positions.
Does the cost of living offset the lower salary?
Yes, the cost of living in East Arkansas is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $26,560 has the same purchasing power as a higher salary in a more expensive region.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
A total local workforce of 250 for Food Preparation Workers indicates a relatively small and potentially stable job market, where openings might be limited but consistent.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.736 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area