Cook Salary in Fayetteville, AR
Cooks in Fayetteville, AR, in 2026, earn approximately $14.06 per hour, which translates to about $562.40 per week, $2,437.07 per month, and $29,244.80 per year.
The job demand for Cooks in Fayetteville is projected to grow moderately at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the local culinary field.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Fayetteville, AR?
The salary of a Cook in Fayetteville varies based on experience and skill level. Here's an overview of earnings at different stages in a Cook's career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $11.00 | $440.00 | $1,906.67 | $22,880.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.06 | $562.40 | $2,437.07 | $29,244.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $30.38 | $1,215.20 | $5,254.67 | $63,182.40 |
Do Cooks in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Cooks usually do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes preparing food. Therefore, their compensation typically comes solely from their wages or salary without additional tip income.
Cook Salary in Fayetteville, AR vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of about $16.15 per hour, which amounts to approximately $33,592 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Fayetteville earn slightly less, with an average hourly wage of $14.06 and a yearly salary around $29,244.80.
This difference can be influenced by regional cost of living and local demand for culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Cooks
If you're open to working in nearby cities, you might find better pay as follows:
- Bentonville: $15.52 per hour
- Rogers: $15.42 per hour
Both Bentonville and Rogers offer somewhat higher hourly wages than Fayetteville, potentially due to different local market factors.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Fayetteville?
Several factors can impact the earnings of a Cook in Fayetteville:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with diverse culinary skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Cooks working in upscale restaurants or specialized cuisine venues often enjoy higher pay compared to those in fast food or casual dining.
- Certifications and Training: Having food safety certifications or culinary education can enhance salary prospects.
- Shift Timing and Hours: Working night shifts or extended hours may bring additional compensation.
How To Become a Cook in Fayetteville
To pursue a career as a Cook in Fayetteville, here are some useful steps:
- Obtain Culinary Education: Consider programs such as the Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, or the Fayetteville Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program. These provide solid culinary skills and knowledge.
- Get Food Safety Certified: Certifications like ServSafe Food Handler Certification are widely recognized and often required in food service roles.
- Gain Experience: Start working in entry-level positions like kitchen assistant or prep cook to build hands-on experience.
- Professional Certifications: Advanced certifications such as those offered by the American Culinary Federation can boost your career prospects.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Fayetteville
Several major employers in Fayetteville frequently seek skilled Cooks:
- Washington Regional Medical Center
- Fayetteville Health and Rehab
- Morrison Healthcare
Establishments That Cooks in Fayetteville Work At
Cooks in Fayetteville work in a variety of establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Common employers with moderate wage levels.
- Fast Casual and Fast Food: Often offer lower pay but abundant opportunities.
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Generally provide stable jobs with competitive wages.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Higher pay potential due to specialized menus and service levels.
The type of establishment significantly influences a Cook’s salary, with upscale and healthcare-related venues usually paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville for Cooks
For those interested in other roles within hospitality similar to being a Cook, several alternatives exist.
These include Head Chef, Chef, and Prep Cook positions, which share culinary skills but may provide different salary ranges and responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Fayetteville
Cooks should be aware of the labor laws and tax regulations affecting their employment and income.
- Information on federal labor laws can be found at dol.gov, covering wages, overtime, and workers' rights.
- State labor laws and resources relevant to Arkansas workers are available at the arkansas.gov website.