Average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary in Arkansas
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $34,330. This figure is slightly below the national average of $36,000, a common occurrence in states where the agricultural sector plays a significant role in the local economy and labor market dynamics. The specific pay rates are often influenced by regional demand, the prevalence of agricultural operations, and the overall cost of labor within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,290.
- Outlook: Arkansas boasts a substantial local workforce of 1,430 Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, indicating a significant presence in the state's employment landscape. With a Location Quotient of 6.35, this occupation is over six times more concentrated in Arkansas than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a specialized job market for these roles within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Arkansas earns-4.6%below the national average.
$16.5
$660
$2,861
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Arkansas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increased demand for agricultural products, evolving industry standards, and the need to retain skilled labor in a competitive market.
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary Distribution in Arkansas
Career progression for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Arkansas typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with years of expertise can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening salary gap between junior and senior roles signifies a clear career ladder and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and efficiency within the agricultural product sorting and grading industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,740 | $14.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $25,748 | $12.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $34,040 | $16.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $42,913 | $20.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $38,290 | $18.4 |
Detailed Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,018
Adjusted for COL (90.3)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,330 in Arkansas for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products should be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.3. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of this salary may be relatively stronger locally compared to more expensive regions, potentially offsetting the slightly lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
1,430
Total Jobs
1.107
Per 1K Jobs
6.35
Location Quotient
Arkansas has 6.3x the national concentration of Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Arkansas exhibits a highly concentrated market for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 6.35. This exceptionally high figure indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly greater in Arkansas relative to the national average. Consequently, the job market is likely abundant with opportunities for qualified individuals, and employers may face less competition for talent within this specific occupational category.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Productss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Arkansas is $34,330. This typically ranges from $30,740 for entry-level positions to $38,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 4.6% lower than the national median of $36,000.
Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products?
No, but cost of living offers some advantage.While the average salary of $34,330 is below the national average, Arkansas's lower cost of living (90.3) means the salary may stretch further locally than in higher-cost states.
Is Arkansas a good place to live for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the concentration of Graders and Sorters in Arkansas compare nationally?
Arkansas has a significantly higher concentration of Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products, with a Location Quotient of 6.35, meaning the occupation is over six times more prevalent there than the national average.
What is the average number of Graders and Sorters per 1,000 workers in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, there are approximately 1.107 Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products per 1,000 workers, reflecting the occupation's importance within the state's labor force.
How does the Arkansas salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in Arkansas is $34,330, which is slightly lower than the national average of $36,000.
What does the Cost of Living Index mean for this salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, Arkansas is more affordable than the national average (100), meaning the $34,330 salary can potentially provide a comparable or better standard of living than a higher salary in a more expensive state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,430 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 1.107 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Arkansas
- All Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Production Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Management Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Arkansas
- Browse All Jobs in Arkansas →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas