Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
In Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,080. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as labor supply and demand, or the specific economic structure of the region, play a significant role in determining compensation for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,330.
- Outlook: The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 2,070 Food Preparation Workers. With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the concentration of these jobs in the area is just slightly above the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these essential roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-14.0%below the national average.
$14
$559
$2,423
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Little Rock is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this sector have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This suggests a gradual but steady increase in earning potential for dedicated professionals in the field.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
The salary trajectory for Food Preparation Workers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, typically shows a clear progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles. While specific percentile data is not available, it is common for experienced workers to command higher salaries, with significant gaps between the lower and upper percentiles reflecting the value of accumulated skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,000 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,810 | $10.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,770 | $12.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,350 | $17.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,330 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,080 for Food Preparation Workers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
2,070
Total Jobs
5.872
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.02, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where demand is stable and the number of available positions closely reflects the national distribution, offering moderate competition for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,320↓ 6% | 17 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,420↓ 6% | 17 mi |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $27,220↓ 6% | 17 mi |
| East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $26,560↓ 9% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,640↓ 2% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $29,080. This typically ranges from $26,000 for entry-level positions to $35,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 14.0% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,080 is below the national average of $33,810. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($27,320) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Little Rock salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Little Rock is $29,080, which is lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs in Little Rock?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.02, indicating that the number of these jobs in Little Rock is slightly higher than the national average relative to the overall workforce.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Little Rock?
The cost of living in Little Rock is at the national average (100), meaning that the $29,080 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a more expensive area.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in the Little Rock area?
There are approximately 2,070 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR 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 2,070 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 5.872 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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR