Arkansas ranks 45th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $32,140 — a 66% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $35,820 to $85,380 — a $49,560 spread, 17% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in Arkansas than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.62 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.61× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| 25th percentile | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,060 | $23.59 |
| 75th percentile | $63,660 | $30.61 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,380 | $41.05 |
| Mean (average) | $56,450 | $27.14 |
How Arkansas Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (current) | $49,060 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +66% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +61% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +56% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +51% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +45% |
| Washington | $69,800 | +42% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | +42% |
| California | $66,780 | +36% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Arkansas
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $49,110 | 910 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $49,150 | 690 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $48,970 | 750 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $49,210 | N/A |
| Machinists | $48,820 | 2,390 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $48,810 | 1,640 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Arkansas?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in Arkansas is $56,450 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,060 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Arkansas?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in Arkansas typically earn around $35,820 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $38,700 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Arkansas?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Arkansas make approximately $85,380 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $63,660 per year.
How does the Arkansas Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in Arkansas is $49,060, which is -20% below national average of $60,990.