Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Arkansas | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $27,320 | $34,130 | -20.0% vs US |
| State Rank | #48 of 54 states | ||
| Employment | 110,230 jobs | 13,613,490 jobs | 0.8% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $23,420 | $11.26 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,490 | $11.77 |
| Median | $27,320 | $13.14 |
| 75th Percentile | $30,330 | $14.58 |
| 90th Percentile | $37,150 | $17.86 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas in 2026?
With a median salary of $27,320 in Arkansas and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +51.9%, food preparation and serving related occupations are still in strong and growing demand.
How can food preparation and serving related occupations increase their salary in Arkansas?
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Arkansas currently ranks #48 out of 54 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Household Appliance Manufacturing | $77,690 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $67,600 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $67,600 |
How are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations paid in Arkansas compared to the national average?
The median salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Arkansas is $27,320, which is 20.0% below the national median of $34,130.