Hospitality & Tourism Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Restaurant Manager Salary in Arkansas

The median restaurant manager salary in Arkansas is $52,080 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,000.

Median Salary
$52,080
vs National
$-9,920
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Restaurant Manager Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for restaurant manager compensation. Restaurant Manager salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,080 per year, restaurant managers in Arkansas earn $9,920 less than the national median of $62,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $52,080 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $62,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: restaurant managers at the 10th percentile earn $31,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,320 — a $50,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $54,560.

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for restaurant managers across the country.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,280 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,760
$-10,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,280
$-14,720 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $31,920
25th Percentile $40,320
Median (50th) $52,080
75th Percentile $67,200
90th Percentile $82,320

Restaurant Manager Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for restaurant managers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Arkansas

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Arkansas? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Arkansas is $52,080 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $31,920 (10th percentile) to $82,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,080, a restaurant manager in Arkansas earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for restaurant managers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for restaurant manager pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level restaurant managers earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $77,280.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for restaurant manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for restaurant managers is Hawaii at $105,400. Arkansas's median of $52,080 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($53,940) and Oklahoma ($53,320).
What is the entry-level restaurant manager salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level restaurant manager in Arkansas earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,280.
What city in Arkansas pays restaurant managers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for restaurant managers, with a median salary of $54,560. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.