Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Jonesboro, AR
Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro, AR, earn an average annual salary of $30,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. The cost of living in Jonesboro aligns with the national average, making this salary differential a key consideration for professionals in the field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,030.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro, AR, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a presence that is slightly below the national average. The total local workforce of 310 individuals suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these roles. With 5.213 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market offers consistent opportunities, though perhaps not indicative of explosive growth.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro, AR earns-11.1%below the national average.
$14.5
$578
$2,506
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Jonesboro's Food Preparation Workers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for essential roles like food preparation, ensuring that wages adapt to the broader economic landscape.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Jonesboro, AR
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro, AR, typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and skill. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear pathways for career advancement and increased earning potential within the food service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,360 | $11.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,553 | $10.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,030 | $13.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,588 | $18.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $37,030 | $17.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,070
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,070 for Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro, AR, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary in Jonesboro is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the role, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay may offer a similar standard of living as in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
5.213
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Jonesboro, AR has 0.90x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.9, Jonesboro, AR, exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not disproportionately dominant within the local job market. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,270↓ 3% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Jonesboro, AR
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Jonesboro, AR?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro, AR is $30,070. This typically ranges from $24,360 for entry-level positions to $37,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Jonesboro, AR is 11.1% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Jonesboro, AR a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative.The average salary of $30,070 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are standard, the earning potential is somewhat limited compared to other regions.
Is Jonesboro, AR a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Jonesboro, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Jonesboro, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Memphis, TN-MS-AR ($29,270) and others.
How does Jonesboro's Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro, AR, is $30,070, which is approximately $3,740 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Jonesboro, AR?
Jonesboro, AR, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Jonesboro, AR?
There are approximately 310 Food Preparation Workers employed in Jonesboro, AR, representing a local workforce concentration slightly below the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.9 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro?
A Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that the proportion of Food Preparation Workers in Jonesboro is slightly lower than the national average, suggesting a balanced but not overly saturated job market for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Jonesboro, AR area with a job density of 5.213 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 Jonesboro, AR