Creative & Education Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Chef Salary in Arkansas

The median chef salary in Arkansas is $47,477 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$47,477
vs National
$-9,043
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Chef Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level chef earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $35,448
Median (50th) $47,477
75th Percentile $63,000
90th Percentile $82,152

Major Cities for Chefs in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for chefs in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Little Rock, AR
Metro area for chef employment
Fort Smith, AR
Metro area for chef employment
Fayetteville, AR
Metro area for chef employment
Springdale, AR
Metro area for chef employment
Jonesboro, AR
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in Arkansas

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.