Creative & Education Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Chef Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median chef salary in Fort Smith, AR is $45,216 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$45,216
vs State Avg
$-2,261
vs National
$-11,304
Cost of Living
80%

Chef Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level chef earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $26,560
25th Percentile $33,760
Median (50th) $45,216
75th Percentile $60,000
90th Percentile $78,240

Chef Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$49,738
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$49,172
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$47,477
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$46,346
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Chef in Fort Smith

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.