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 Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median chef salary of $45,216, which is $2,261 below the Arkansas state average of $47,477. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $45,216 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Fort Smith spans from $26,560 at the 10th percentile to $78,240 at the 90th percentile — a $51,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

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.

Find Chef Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open chef positions in Fort Smith, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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.