Prep Cook Salary in Fayetteville, AR
Prep Cooks in Fayetteville, AR, in 2025, earn approximately $15.53 per hour, which translates to about $621.20 per week, $2,691.87 per month, and $32,302.40 per year.
The demand for Prep Cooks in Fayetteville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy job market with good prospects for employment growth annually.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Fayetteville, AR?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Fayetteville can vary based on experience and employer, but the following table provides insight into earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $13.00 | $520.00 | $2,253.33 | $27,040.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $15.53 | $621.20 | $2,691.87 | $32,302.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Prep Cooks in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks typically do not earn tips, as their role is primarily behind the scenes preparing ingredients rather than direct customer service. Their income mostly comes from hourly wages.
Prep Cook Salary in Fayetteville, AR vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of about $14.50 per hour, which is approximately $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Fayetteville earn slightly more, with an average hourly wage of $15.53 and annual earnings of around $32,302.40. This differential may reflect local economic factors and demand in the Fayetteville area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas show varying salary rates for Prep Cooks:
- Downtown Fayetteville: $16.00 per hour
- Uptown Fayetteville: $15.50 per hour
Prep Cooks working in Downtown Fayetteville tend to earn slightly more than those in Uptown Fayetteville, possibly due to the concentration of restaurants and dining establishments.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Fayetteville, AR?
Several factors can affect the salary of a Prep Cook in Fayetteville, including:
- Experience Level: Prep Cooks with more years of experience and refined kitchen skills tend to earn higher wages.
- Skills and Specializations: Knowledge of specific cuisines, knife skills, and food safety certifications can contribute to better pay.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels generally offers higher pay compared to fast food or casual dining establishments.
- Work Hours: Night shifts or weekend work might offer extra compensation or shift differentials.
- Local Market Demand: As Fayetteville’s food industry grows, demand for skilled Prep Cooks can drive wages upward.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Fayetteville, AR
Becoming a successful Prep Cook in Fayetteville involves several important steps:
- Gain Culinary Training: Programs such as the Northwest Arkansas Community College Culinary Arts Program build foundational culinary skills essential for Prep Cooks.
- Pursue Specialized Culinary Programs: Institutes like Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food offer focused culinary arts training, including baking and sustainable food practices.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is widely recognized and often required to ensure knowledge of safe food handling.
- Consider Professional Certification: An entry-level certification such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation can enhance your credentials and job prospects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting with internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level kitchen roles helps build hands-on skills.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Fayetteville, AR
Several well-known employers frequently seek Prep Cooks in Fayetteville, including:
- Whole Foods Market
- First Watch
- PeopleReady
- Chili's Grill and Bar
- Walk-On's
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Fayetteville Work At
Prep Cooks in Fayetteville commonly work across a range of food service establishments, such as:
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Generally offer steady work with moderate wages, ideal for entry-level Prep Cooks.
- Upscale and Fine Dining: These settings often provide higher pay and require more advanced culinary skills and attention to detail.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These establishments may offer more consistent hours and sometimes benefits, accompanied by competitive salaries.
- Grocery Stores and Specialty Food Markets: Places like Whole Foods employ Prep Cooks for daily food preparation and bulk ingredient handling.
The type of establishment greatly impacts the salary range and advancement opportunities available to Prep Cooks.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville, AR for Prep Cooks
If you are exploring careers similar to Prep Cook, here are some related roles to consider:
These include Cook, Fry Cook, and Chef de Partie positions, which require similar culinary skills and offer different salary potentials and responsibilities within a kitchen environment.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Fayetteville, AR
Understanding applicable labor laws and tax responsibilities is important for Prep Cooks working in Fayetteville.
- For federal labor laws and employment guidelines, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- The Arkansas state government site offers resources specific to state labor regulations and workplace rights.
- Local employment rules and city-specific resources can be found at the Fayetteville city website.