Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $27,220. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for these roles in this specific nonmetropolitan setting. The localized pay structure is a direct consequence of the economic landscape and labor market dynamics unique to this area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $27,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,180.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area, with a total local workforce of 390, suggests a relatively stable but not rapidly expanding sector. The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that this occupation is less concentrated here than the national average, implying a moderate level of demand that aligns with the size of the local workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area earns-19.5%below the national average.
$13.1
$523
$2,268
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 have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This incremental increase would aim to keep pace with the rising cost of living and maintain competitiveness in the local labor market.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
For Food Preparation Workers, salary progression typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with years of dedicated service and advanced skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, rewarding accumulated expertise and reliability within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,290 | $11.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $20,415 | $9.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $26,980 | $13 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $34,025 | $16.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,180 | $15 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$27,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$27,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $27,220 in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by a comparable cost of living.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
4.495
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has 0.78x 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 0.78, the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area has a lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these roles is not oversaturated, but also indicates that the demand might be less robust than in more concentrated areas, presenting a moderately competitive environment for job seekers.
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↑ 7% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Food Preparation Workers Salary | $28,640↑ 5% | 51 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $27,220. This typically ranges from $23,290 for entry-level positions to $31,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 19.5% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $27,220 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the lower nominal wage limits earning potential.
Is West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West 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 West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is $27,220, which is substantially lower than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning prices for goods and services are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.78, is below the national average, suggesting fewer jobs relative to the total workforce compared to the nation.
What does the total local workforce size imply for job availability?
With a total local workforce of 390 Food Preparation Workers, the market is relatively small, which could mean fewer opportunities but potentially less competition for available positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.495 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area