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Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Arkansas

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Cooks, Restaurant make in Arkansas?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$30,180
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.4% vs 2024
$31,650
Mean Salary
$30,180
Median Salary
$14.51
Hourly Rate
11,270 people work as Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas

Cooks, Restaurant salary by percentile in Arkansas

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Cooks, Restaurant salary in Arkansas — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas.10thBottom 10% earn less than $26,020$26,02025th25% earn less than $28,470$28,470MedianHalf earn more than $30,180$30,18075th75% earn less than $35,410$35,41090thTop 10% earn more than $37,140$37,140

Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas earn a median salary of $30,180 per year ($2,515/month). This is 19.9% below the national average of $37,684. Arkansas ranks #48 out of 51 states for Cooks, Restaurant pay. Approximately 11,270 people work in this occupation across Arkansas. Salaries increased by 2.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Cooks, Restaurant

Prepare, season, and cook dishes such as soups, meats, vegetables, or desserts in restaurants. May order supplies, keep records and accounts, price items on menu, or plan menu.

Top Skills

Monitoring
3.12
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Coordination
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Food Production
4.1
Customer and Personal Service
3.89
English Language
3.56
Production and Processing
3.0
Administration and Management
2.92
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (44.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas

Salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas range from $26,020 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $37,140 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,470 and $35,410.

Median $30,180
P10: $26,020 P25: $28,470 P75: $35,410 P90: $37,140
10th
$26,020
25th
$28,470
Median
$30,180
75th
$35,410
90th
$37,140
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $26,020 $12.51 $2,168
25th Percentile $28,470 $13.69 $2,372
Median (50th) $30,180 $14.51 $2,515
75th Percentile $35,410 $17.02 $2,950
90th Percentile (Experienced) $37,140 $17.86 $3,095

Note: The mean (average) salary of $31,650 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#48
Arkansas ranks #48 of 51 states
$37,684
National avg. for Cooks, Restaurant
-19.9%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Arkansas:

What does this salary really buy? See Cooks, Restaurant salary in Arkansas adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Cooks, Restaurant take-home pay in Arkansas after taxes →

Explore Cooks, Restaurant Data in Arkansas

Cooks, Restaurant Salary by State

Compare Cooks, Restaurant pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Cooks, Restaurant make in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas is $30,180 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $31,650.
What is the salary range for a Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas?
Salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas range from $26,020 at the 10th percentile to $37,140 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,470 and $35,410.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas?
Entry-level Cooks, Restaurant positions in Arkansas typically start around $26,020 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,470 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 11,270 people are employed as Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas.
What is the hourly rate for a Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas is approximately $14.51 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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