SOC 35-2012 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria — South Arkansas
South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area · 5 metro areas compared
In South Arkansas, AR the median wage is $29,190.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In South Arkansas, AR the median wage is $29,190. That is 22.1% lower than the national median of $37,450. Pay ranges from under $24,440 at the tenth percentile to more than $36,800 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $27,510 to $31,050.
Employment stands at 800, or 6.8 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Fayetteville records the highest median at $33,430. Of the 349 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 319th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $24,440 | −34.7% |
| 25th | $27,510 | −26.5% |
| Median (50th) | $29,190 | −22.1% |
| 75th | $31,050 | −17.1% |
| 90th | $36,800 | −1.7% |
| Mean | $30,380 | −18.9% |
Other metro areas in Arkansas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fayetteville | $33,430 | 1,290 | |
| 2 | Jonesboro | $32,720 | 240 | |
| 3 | Hot Springs | $32,140 | 180 | |
| 4 | Little Rock | $30,480 | 1,400 | |
| 5 | Fort Smith | $29,380 | 560 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Arkansas run 13.1% below the national average, so the median of $29,190 goes as far as $33,590 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 10.3% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$29,190as reported by BLSLocal price level
86.9US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$33,590US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $29,190 a year, 22.1% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $24,440 to $36,800 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 800 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Fayetteville, at $33,430.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in South Arkansas, AR?
The median annual wage is $29,190, or $14.03 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $37,450, so pay in South Arkansas, AR is 22.1% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in South Arkansas, AR earns more than $36,800 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $24,440 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Fayetteville, at $33,430 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 800 jobs in this occupation in South Arkansas, AR. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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