Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,420. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within North Arkansas directly influence this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $32,890.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 580 individuals, the Food Preparation Worker sector in North Arkansas represents a modest segment of the regional economy. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. While not a booming market, the consistent presence of these roles suggests ongoing employment opportunities for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-18.9%below the national average.
$13.2
$527
$2,285
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region and role isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in North Arkansas have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in the cost of goods and services typically necessitate adjustments in wages to maintain workforce stability and attract new talent, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level roles to more senior positions, often with increased responsibilities and specialized skills. While specific salary data across experience levels isn't detailed here, the typical percentile gaps seen in national data suggest that experienced workers can command higher salaries, reflecting their accumulated expertise and efficiency. This progression is a key factor in long-term earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,590 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,565 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,050 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,275 | $16.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $32,890 | $15.8 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $27,420 in North Arkansas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area may find that their earnings, though lower in absolute terms, can cover essential expenses at a comparable rate to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
4.883
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.85x 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 0.85 for Food Preparation Workers in North Arkansas indicates that this occupation is present at a slightly lower concentration than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, it may also not be experiencing exceptionally high demand compared to other regions. The market is likely stable, offering consistent opportunities without intense competition for available positions.
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↑ 6% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,640↑ 4% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $27,420. This typically ranges from $23,590 for entry-level positions to $32,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 18.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $27,420 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near North 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 local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 580 suggests a smaller, more contained job market for Food Preparation Workers, which can mean fewer opportunities but potentially less competition for those roles.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.85 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 indicates that the occupation is less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly growing demand for these roles in North Arkansas.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $27,420 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive than the national average.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in North Arkansas?
With 4.883 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of Food Preparation Worker positions is relatively modest, reflecting the occupation's concentration within the local labor force.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.883 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 North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area