Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $27,690. This figure falls notably below the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Fort Smith metropolitan area. The cost of living in Fort Smith aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,130.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith comprises approximately 330 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.59, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market relative to other occupations. The rate of 3.429 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, presence of these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-18.1%below the national average.
$13.3
$533
$2,308
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for this occupation have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This gradual increase is typical across many service-oriented roles as businesses adapt to changing labor market conditions and cost of living.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
For Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith, salary progression typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay spectrum, potentially around the 25th percentile. As workers gain experience and develop specialized skills, they can advance to mid-level and senior roles, commanding salaries closer to the 75th percentile and above. The widening gap between these percentiles signifies clear 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) | $23,160 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,768 | $10 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,770 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,613 | $16.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,130 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK stands at $27,690. This salary is juxtaposed against a Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of the average salary in Fort Smith is effectively on par with the national average, meaning that despite the lower nominal wage, the cost of essential goods and services does not present a significant disadvantage.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
3.429
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.59x 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.
The Location Quotient (LQ) for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 0.59, which is considerably lower than the national average of 1.0. This suggests that the occupation is less concentrated in Fort Smith compared to the rest of the United States. While this might imply a less competitive market for employers seeking these workers, it also indicates fewer job opportunities relative to the national landscape for individuals seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $32,090↑ 16% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,640↑ 3% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $27,690. This typically ranges from $23,160 for entry-level positions to $35,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 18.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $27,690 is significantly lower than the national average of $33,810. While the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage suggests less earning potential compared to national benchmarks.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($32,090) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the salary for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average of $27,690 annually, which is substantially less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Fort Smith?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Fort Smith, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.59, is below the national average, suggesting fewer of these roles relative to other occupations.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Fort Smith?
There are approximately 330 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 3.429 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK