Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
In the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area, Chefs and Head Cooks earn an average annual salary of $50,010. This figure falls below the national average of $64,680, indicating that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, likely influence compensation levels for culinary professionals in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,010 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,630.
- Outlook: The culinary job market for Chefs and Head Cooks in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, is characterized by a local workforce of 260 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.62, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market compared to other regions. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 0.728, the lower LQ implies that while opportunities exist, the demand might not be as robust as in more concentrated culinary hubs.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-22.7%below the national average.
$24
$962
$4,168
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact role in Little Rock is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled culinary talent, and evolving dining trends. It is reasonable to infer that the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR market has likely mirrored this national trajectory, albeit potentially at a different pace due to localized economic factors.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and management skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on experience, leadership, and specialized culinary knowledge within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $37,508 | $18 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $46,920 | $22.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $62,513 | $30.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $77,630 | $37.3 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,010
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,010
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,010 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a culinary professional's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the nominal salary effectively covers typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.728
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.62 for Chefs and Head Cooks in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while the market may not be saturated with culinary talent, the demand for these specialized roles might also be proportionally lower compared to national trends, creating a balanced, rather than intensely competitive, job environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $56,550↑ 13% | 17 mi |
| North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $45,870↓ 8% | 17 mi |
| West Arkansas nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,030↑ 34% | 17 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $48,380↓ 3% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $50,010. This typically ranges from $35,820 for entry-level positions to $77,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 22.7% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $50,010 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,680. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($56,550) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living affect the Chef salary in Little Rock?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the average salary of $50,010 in Little Rock has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means your earnings will cover typical expenses at a standard rate.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Little Rock compared to the nation?
The Location Quotient of 0.62 signifies that Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, than the national average. This suggests a less crowded field for job seekers.
How many Chef and Head Cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Little Rock?
There are approximately 0.728 jobs for Chefs and Head Cooks per 1,000 workers in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area.
Is the job market for Chefs and Head Cooks growing in Little Rock?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable workforce size and below-average location quotient suggest a consistent, though not rapidly expanding, market for culinary professionals in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 0.728 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR