Arkansas ranks 46th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $11,620 — a 43% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $23,860 to $35,460 — a $11,600 spread, 44% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are less concentrated in Arkansas than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.79 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.27× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $23,860 | $11.47 |
| 25th percentile | $26,000 | $12.50 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $27,330 | $13.14 |
| 75th percentile | $31,610 | $15.20 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $35,460 | $17.05 |
| Mean (average) | $29,010 | $13.95 |
How Arkansas Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (current) | $27,330 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +43% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +41% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +41% |
| California | $38,150 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +38% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +36% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +35% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +34% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Arkansas
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cashiers | $27,370 | 30,620 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $27,250 | 7,360 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,180 | 6,200 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $27,110 | 19,720 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $27,100 | 3,260 |
| Dishwashers | $27,090 | 2,940 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in Arkansas?
The mean food preparation workers salary in Arkansas is $29,010 per year. The median (middle) salary is $27,330 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Arkansas?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in Arkansas typically earn around $23,860 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $26,000 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in Arkansas?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Arkansas make approximately $35,460 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $31,610 per year.
How does the Arkansas Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in Arkansas is $27,330, which is -20% below national average of $34,220.