SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Arkansas

Cooks in Arkansas can expect an average annual salary of $30,970, which is notably below the national average of $37,700. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the overall demand for culinary services within the state, and the prevailing cost of labor in Arkansas's specific job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $30,970 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,350.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 10,450 individuals in this role, Arkansas demonstrates a significant presence of restaurant cooks. The location quotient of 0.86 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer number of jobs indicates a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals across the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$30,970

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas earns-17.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.9

Weekly

$596

Monthly

$2,581

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Arkansas

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$24,490$11.8
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$23,228$11.2
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$29,470$14.2
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$38,713$18.6
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$37,350$18

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$30,970

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,297

Adjusted for COL (90.3)

The nominal average salary of $30,970 in Arkansas needs to be viewed through the lens of its Cost of Living Index, which stands at 90.3. This means that the cost of essential goods and services is approximately 9.7% lower than the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of an Arkansas cook's salary may be somewhat stronger than the raw salary figure implies.

Job Market Context

10,450

Total Jobs

8.105

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Arkansas has 0.86x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant 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 0.86 indicates that the job market for Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, there isn't an overwhelming surplus of cooks relative to other professions, potentially leading to a moderately competitive job market.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$31,700↑ 2%17 mi
Hot Springs, AR Cooks, Restaurant Salary$29,930↓ 3%51 mi

Comparing salaries near Arkansas

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas is $30,970. This typically ranges from $24,490 for entry-level positions to $37,350 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Arkansas is 17.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Arkansas a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,970 is below the national average, although the lower cost of living offers some compensation.

Is Arkansas a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($31,700) and Hot Springs, AR.

What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in Arkansas?

The average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Arkansas is $30,970.

How does Arkansas's cost of living compare to the national average?

Arkansas has a Cost of Living Index of 90.3, meaning it is approximately 9.7% cheaper than the national average.

How many Restaurant Cooks are there in Arkansas?

There are approximately 10,450 Restaurant Cooks employed in Arkansas.

Is the job market for Restaurant Cooks in Arkansas highly concentrated?

The job market for Restaurant Cooks in Arkansas has a location quotient of 0.86, which is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate concentration.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,450 employees in the Arkansas area with a job density of 8.105 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Arkansas