Chef Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas
The median chef salary in Little Rock, AR is $49,172 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.
Chef Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)
Little Rock offers a median chef salary of $49,172, which is $1,695 above the Arkansas state average of $47,477. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $49,172 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Little Rock spans from $28,884 at the 10th percentile to $85,086 at the 90th percentile — a $56,202 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,450, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,560. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Little Rock by Experience
In Little Rock, an entry-level chef earns around $30,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR
| Percentile | Little Rock |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,884 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,714 |
| Median (50th) | $49,172 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $85,086 |
Chef Salary in Other Arkansas Cities
How to Become a Chef in Little Rock
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Little Rock
Browse open chef positions in Little Rock, AR: