Food Preparation Workers Salary in North Arkansas

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

Median annual salary $27,050 -21% vs national
Median hourly $13.00
10th percentile $23,590
90th percentile $32,890
Employed locally 580
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
North Arkansas
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,590
    25th
    $23,960
    50th (median)
    $27,050
    75th
    $29,240
    90th
    $32,890

    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 North Arkansas

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $25,490
    Waiters and Waitresses $26,100
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $29,710
    Cooks, Restaurant $28,020
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $28,990
    Cooks, Fast Food $23,960

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in North Arkansas is $13.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $16.42 or more per hour.

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

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in North Arkansas is 21% 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 North Arkansas?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $23,590 per year in North Arkansas. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,960.