Food Preparation Workers Salary in East Arkansas

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $26,710 -21.9% vs national
Median hourly $12.84
10th percentile $23,290
90th percentile $29,600
Employed locally 250
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
East Arkansas
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,290
    25th
    $23,800
    50th (median)
    $26,710
    75th
    $27,330
    90th
    $29,600

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    Related occupations in East Arkansas

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $24,100
    Waiters and Waitresses $24,370
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $29,830
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $29,000
    Cooks, Fast Food $25,220
    Cooks, Restaurant $27,550

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in East Arkansas?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in East Arkansas is $12.84, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.24 or more per hour.

    Is East Arkansas above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in East Arkansas is 21.9% below the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in East Arkansas?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,290 per year in East Arkansas. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,800.