Creative & Education Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Chef Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median chef salary in Fayetteville, AR is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
+$2,261
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%

Chef Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)

Fayetteville offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $2,261 above the Arkansas state average of $47,477. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Fayetteville spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $37,136
Median (50th) $49,738
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $86,064

Chef Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock, AR
$49,172
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$47,477
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$46,346
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$45,216
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Chef in Fayetteville

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Fayetteville

Browse open chef positions in Fayetteville, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Chef make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median chef salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Fayetteville earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for chef pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median chef salary of $49,738 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $47,477. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Fayetteville? ▼
Most chef positions in Fayetteville require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.