Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
In the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $27,320. This figure falls below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower cost of doing business. The specific economic landscape and demand within this nonmetropolitan region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,080.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 520 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.75, the job market in South Arkansas indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a major hub for this specific occupation, the presence of 4.307 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not booming, demand within the region's food service sector.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-19.2%below the national average.
$13.1
$525
$2,277
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in South Arkansas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery and shifts in the food service industry likely contributed to modest increases, aiming to keep pace with inflation and labor market dynamics.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers in South Arkansas typically correlates with experience and skill development. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the food preparation field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,430 | $11.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,490 | $9.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,710 | $12.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,150 | $16.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,080 | $15.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,320 in South Arkansas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by a neutral cost of living.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
4.307
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.75x 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 0.75 for Food Preparation Workers in South Arkansas indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated in the region than it is nationally. This suggests that while there are available positions, the market is not oversaturated, and employers may face moderate competition for talent, potentially leading to stable employment opportunities.
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↑ 5% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $27,320. This typically ranges from $23,430 for entry-level positions to $33,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 19.2% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $27,320 is significantly lower than the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South 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 520 suggests a moderate-sized pool of existing workers, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market for Food Preparation Workers in the area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.75 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.75, means the occupation is less common in South Arkansas compared to the national average, implying potentially fewer job openings but also less competition.
How does the cost of living compare to national averages?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that while salaries are lower, the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the job density for Food Preparation Workers in this region?
There are approximately 4.307 jobs per 1,000 workers in South Arkansas for this role, indicating a consistent presence of these jobs within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.307 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 South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area