Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Hot Springs, AR
In Hot Springs, AR, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $28,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this sector. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.7% ↗ 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 Hot Springs, AR, comprises approximately 280 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.28, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these services within the community. The presence of 7.359 jobs per 1,000 workers further solidifies the consistent need for food preparation professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs, AR earns-15.3%below the national average.
$13.8
$551
$2,387
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages across most industries, including food service, ensuring that compensation attempts to keep pace with the rising cost of living and operational expenses.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Hot Springs, AR
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and, consequently, higher pay. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, the typical salary range for this profession can see significant jumps from the lower end (e.g., $24,000) to the higher end (e.g., $35,000+), with experience and demonstrated skill being key drivers of this advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,310 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,480 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,240 | $13.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,800 | $17.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,130 | $16.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,640 in Hot Springs, AR, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Hot Springs is comparable to that of a worker in a national average cost-of-living area. While the nominal salary may seem lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle stability.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
7.359
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Hot Springs, AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.28 for Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs, AR, signifies that this occupation is more concentrated in the local job market than it is nationally. This suggests a healthy demand relative to the national average, indicating that employers in Hot Springs may actively seek out and retain talent in this field. While not indicative of a hyper-competitive market, it points to a stable and slightly above-average presence of these roles.
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↑ 2% | 43 mi |
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,320↓ 5% | 51 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,420↓ 4% | 51 mi |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,220↓ 5% | 51 mi |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,560↓ 7% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hot Springs, AR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Hot Springs, AR?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs, AR is $28,640. This typically ranges from $23,310 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 Hot Springs, AR is 15.3% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Hot Springs, AR a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs earn $28,640 annually, which is below the national average of $33,810. However, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Hot Springs, AR a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Hot Springs, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hot Springs, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($29,080) and South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Hot Springs salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs, AR is $28,640, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the cost of living in Hot Springs, AR for Food Preparation Workers?
The cost of living in Hot Springs, AR is indexed at 100, which is the same as the national average. This means your salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average.
Is there high demand for Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs, AR?
With a Location Quotient of 1.28, there is a slightly higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Hot Springs compared to the national average, indicating a stable demand.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Hot Springs, AR?
The total local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Hot Springs, AR is approximately 280 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Hot Springs, AR area with a job density of 7.359 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 Hot Springs, AR