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Food Service · Arkansas

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Arkansas

Cooks, Restaurants in Arkansas earn a median salary of $30,180/year, which is 19% below the national average. Arkansas has a state income tax of ~3.3%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately -$705/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$30K
Median salary in Arkansas
-19%
vs. national average
3.3%
State income tax
11,270
Employed in Arkansas

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Arkansas

Gross annual salary$30,180
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.3% state tax)$2,107/mo
Median 2BR rent (Arkansas)-$2,812/mo
Rent as % of take-home133.5% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$30,180/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent-$705/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Arkansas

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Arkansas typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Arkansas. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, restaurant positions in Arkansas require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Arkansas licensure or certification

Arkansas may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state, contact the Arkansas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Arkansas

Arkansas employs 11,270 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Arkansas

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers$34K$16.22/hr2,940
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway$31K$14.76/hr3,560
Jonesboro$30K$14.52/hr540
Fort Smith$29K$14.12/hr850
Hot Springs$29K$14.07/hr690

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Arkansas

10th percentile (entry)
$26K
25th percentile
$28K
Median (50th)
$30K
75th percentile
$35K
90th percentile (senior)
$37K
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Full cooks, restaurant salary breakdown in Arkansas
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Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Arkansas?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Arkansas is $30,180 per year ($14.51/hr). This is 19% below the national median of $37,390. Salaries range from $26,020 to $37,140.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Arkansas?

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Arkansas typically require No formal educational credential. Arkansas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Arkansas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Arkansas?

At the median salary of $30,180, a cooks, restaurant in Arkansas would take home approximately $2,107/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $2,812/month, that's 133.5% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Arkansas?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Arkansas are Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers ($33,730), Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway ($30,690), Jonesboro ($30,190). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Arkansas have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Arkansas has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.3%. On a $30,180 salary, this means roughly $1,009/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.