Creative & Education Jonesboro, AR Pop. 78,576

Chef Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas

The median chef salary in Jonesboro, AR is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$46,346
vs State Avg
$-1,131
vs National
$-10,174
Cost of Living
82%

Chef Pay in Jonesboro: What to Expect (2026)

Jonesboro offers a median chef salary of $46,346, which is $1,131 below the Arkansas state average of $47,477. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $46,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Jonesboro spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $80,196 at the 90th percentile — a $52,972 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level chef earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jonesboro, AR

Percentile Jonesboro
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $34,604
Median (50th) $46,346
75th Percentile $61,500
90th Percentile $80,196

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
Fort Smith, AR
$45,216
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Chef in Jonesboro

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Jonesboro

Browse open chef positions in Jonesboro, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Chef make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
The median chef salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $80,196 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,346, a chef in Jonesboro earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for chef pay? ▼
Jonesboro's median chef salary of $46,346 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $47,477. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $46,346 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Jonesboro? ▼
Most chef positions in Jonesboro 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.