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
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.
Find Chef Jobs in Fort Smith
Browse open chef positions in Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Fort Smith
How much does a Chef make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median chef salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $45,216 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $26,560 (10th percentile) to $78,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,216, a chef in Fort Smith earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for chef pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median chef salary of $45,216 is 4.8% below the Arkansas state average of $47,477. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $45,216 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Fort Smith? ▼
Most chef positions in Fort Smith 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.