Arkansas ranks 46th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $18,560 — a 62% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $25,930 to $38,400 — a $12,470 spread, 42% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in Arkansas than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.79 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.79× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $25,930 | $12.47 |
| 25th percentile | $27,770 | $13.35 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| 75th percentile | $33,370 | $16.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,400 | $18.46 |
| Mean (average) | $31,160 | $14.98 |
How Arkansas Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (current) | $29,700 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +62% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +59% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +58% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +56% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +54% |
| California | $45,680 | +54% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +54% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +53% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Arkansas
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Attendants | $29,780 | 440 |
| Telemarketers | $29,560 | 520 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $29,540 | 17,360 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $29,510 | 120 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $29,470 | 10,450 |
| School Bus Monitors | $29,450 | 730 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Arkansas?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Arkansas is $31,160 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,700 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Arkansas?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Arkansas typically earn around $25,930 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,770 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Arkansas?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Arkansas make approximately $38,400 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $33,370 per year.
How does the Arkansas Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Arkansas is $29,700, which is -19% below national average of $36,450.