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Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Arkansas

Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas earn an average annual salary of $56,450, which is notably lower than the national average of $64,680. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors and the overall demand for specialized culinary roles within the state's specific job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $56,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,380.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 950 individuals in this profession and a Location Quotient of 0.62, the market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas indicates a below-average concentration compared to the rest of the nation. This suggests a stable but not rapidly expanding demand, with opportunities likely tied to the growth of the hospitality sector within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$56,450

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas earns-12.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.1

Weekly

$1,086

Monthly

$4,704

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Arkansas

Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas, as elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience and skill level. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized expertise can expect to earn substantially more, potentially reaching into higher percentiles of the salary range. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$35,820$17.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$42,338$20.4
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$49,060$23.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$70,563$33.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$85,380$41

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$56,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$62,514

Adjusted for COL (90.3)

The average annual salary of $56,450 in Arkansas presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.3. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively stronger purchasing power for residents, meaning their earnings can stretch further in Arkansas compared to higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

950

Total Jobs

0.733

Per 1K Jobs

0.62

Location Quotient

Below Average

Arkansas has 0.62x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.62 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas signifies that this profession is less concentrated in the state than the national average. This suggests that while the demand might not be exceptionally high, the supply of specialized culinary talent may also be less abundant, potentially creating a moderately competitive job market for skilled individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$50,010↓ 11%17 mi
Hot Springs, AR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$48,380↓ 14%51 mi

Comparing salaries near Arkansas

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas is $56,450. This typically ranges from $35,820 for entry-level positions to $85,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 12.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?

No, not in terms of nominal salary.Arkansas chefs earn $56,450 annually, significantly less than the national average. However, the lower cost of living offers some compensation for this difference.

Is Arkansas a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Arkansas?

Some top paying nearby cities include Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR ($50,010) and Hot Springs, AR.

How does the Arkansas chef salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas is $56,450, which is $8,230 less than the national average of $64,680.

What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas?

Arkansas has a lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.62, indicating fewer jobs per worker relative to the rest of the country.

How does the cost of living affect the chef salary in Arkansas?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, Arkansas is more affordable than the national average. This means the $56,450 salary can provide a better standard of living than the same amount would in a higher cost area.

What is the total number of Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas?

There are approximately 950 Chefs and Head Cooks employed in Arkansas, representing a specific segment of the state's culinary workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 0.733 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas