Restaurant Manager Salary in Little Rock, AR: $53,940 (2026)

Restaurant Manager Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median restaurant manager salary of $53,940, which is $1,860 above the Arkansas state average of $52,080. Compared to the national median of $62,000, 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 $53,940 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Little Rock spans from $33,060 at the 10th percentile to $85,260 at the 90th percentile — a $52,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,800, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,040. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $34,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,800

$-5,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,680

$-8,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,040

$-11,960 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$33,060	$31,920	$38,000
25th Percentile	$41,760	$40,320	$48,000
Median (50th)	$53,940	$52,080	$62,000
75th Percentile	$69,600	$67,200	$80,000
90th Percentile	$85,260	$82,320	$98,000

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$33,060

25th Percentile

$41,760

Median (50th)

$53,940

75th Percentile

$69,600

90th Percentile

$85,260

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Little Rock

Education

Most restaurant manager positions require a high school diploma. Little Rock and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Little Rock, AR? ▼

The median restaurant manager salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $53,940 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $33,060 (10th percentile) to $85,260 (90th percentile).

How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Little Rock? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,940, a restaurant manager in Little Rock earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼

Little Rock's median restaurant manager salary of $53,940 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $52,080. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a restaurant manager salary of $53,940 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Little Rock? ▼

Most restaurant manager positions in Little Rock require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas