Restaurant Cook Salary in Arkansas
Based on 11K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$30,180
$14.51/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
-19.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$26K – $37K
11K employed in Arkansas
The median Restaurant Cook salary in Arkansas is $30,180 per year, which translates to an hourly wage of approximately $15. This figure is 19.9% lower than the national average for this profession. There are currently around 11,270 individuals employed as restaurant cooks across the state.
Several factors can influence the specific Restaurant Cook salary in Arkansas. These include years of experience, the type and size of the restaurant, its geographic location within the state, and the specific responsibilities of the role. More specialized culinary skills or supervisory duties may also lead to higher earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,020 |
| 25th percentile | $28,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $30,180 |
| 75th percentile | $35,410 |
| 90th percentile | $37,140 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $31,085 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,180 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $31,085 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $28,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $30,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $35,410 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $37,140 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Restaurant Cook ($30,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in AR | $26,250 | -13.0% | $12.62/hr |
| Waiter and Waitress in AR | $24,680 | -18.2% | $11.87/hr |
| Tutor in AR | $30,810 | +2.1% | $14.81/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in AR | $29,270 | -3.0% | $14.07/hr |
| Cashier in AR | $27,670 | -8.3% | $13.30/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in AR | $27,660 | -8.3% | $13.30/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in AR | $34,430 | +14.1% | $16.55/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in AR | $34,700 | +15.0% | $16.68/hr |
| Receptionist in AR | $34,840 | +15.4% | $16.75/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in AR | $35,210 | +16.7% | $16.93/hr |
| Security Guard in AR | $35,770 | +18.5% | $17.20/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in AR | $37,630 | +24.7% | $18.09/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average hourly pay for a Restaurant Cook in Arkansas?
- The average hourly pay for a Restaurant Cook in Arkansas is around $15 per hour. This is based on a median annual salary of $30,180.
How much can a Restaurant Cook in Arkansas expect to earn annually?
- The typical annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in Arkansas falls between $26,020 and $37,140. The median income for this role is $30,180.
Is the salary for Restaurant Cooks in Arkansas higher or lower than the national average?
- The Restaurant Cook salary in Arkansas is 19.9% lower than the national average. This means cooks in Arkansas are earning significantly less than their counterparts across the country.
What is the total number of people employed as Restaurant Cooks in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 11,270 individuals currently employed as Restaurant Cooks in Arkansas. This indicates a substantial workforce in this culinary field within the state.