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Professional Chef Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

The Field Chef is a campus-wide culinary role designed to provide agile daily coverage across all ... Maintain a professional, coachable posture across every rotation - the role's success depends on ...

Field Sous Chef

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Field Sous Chef

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Sous Chef

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Sous Chef

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Executive Chef

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$83K - $88K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Relocation ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Executive Chef

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$83K - $88K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Relocation ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Executive Chef

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$83K - $88K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Relocation ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Executive Chef

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$83K - $88K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Relocation ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Description The Sushi Chef II position is a highly trained and experienced role in our organization ... Demonstrated professionalism in front of the customers and respect for co-workers and workplace at ...

Sushi Chef II

Springdale, AR · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

The Sushi Chef II's responsibilities include preparing traditional Japanese sushi rice, chopping ... Demonstrated professionalism in front of the customers and respect for co-workers and workplace at ...

Sushi Chef II

Springdale, AR · On-site

$17.50 - $20/hr

Description: The Sushi Chef II position is a highly trained and experienced role in our ... Demonstrated professionalism in front of the customers and respect for co-workers and workplace at ...

Sous Chef

Rogers, AR · On-site

$341/wk

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Sous Chef, you'll play a vital role in creating moments ... Actively participate in meetings, share innovative ideas, and respond to feedback professionally to ...

Sous Chef

Rogers, AR · On-site

$341/wk

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Sous Chef, you'll play a vital role in creating moments ... Actively participate in meetings, share innovative ideas, and respond to feedback professionally to ...

Sous Chef

Rogers, AR · On-site

$341/wk

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Sous Chef, you'll play a vital role in creating moments ... Actively participate in meetings, share innovative ideas, and respond to feedback professionally to ...

Sous Chef

Rogers, AR · On-site

$341/wk

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Sous Chef, you'll play a vital role in creating moments ... Actively participate in meetings, share innovative ideas, and respond to feedback professionally to ...

Sous Chef

Rogers, AR · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Sous Chef, you'll play a vital role in creating moments ... Actively participate in meetings, share innovative ideas, and respond to feedback professionally to ...

Sous Chef

Rogers, AR · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Sous Chef, you'll play a vital role in creating moments ... Actively participate in meetings, share innovative ideas, and respond to feedback professionally to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Professional Chef information

See Arkansas salary details

$23.6K

$52.9K

$78.6K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Arkansas is $52,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional chef?

Professional chefs are trained culinary experts who prepare, cook, and present food in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They are responsible for menu planning, ingredient selection, and ensuring the quality and consistency of dishes. Chefs often manage kitchen staff, maintain food safety standards, and stay updated with culinary trends. Their skills are developed through formal education, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience in the kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional chef?

To thrive as a Professional Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, formal culinary training or certification, and strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and specialized culinary tools is essential. Creativity, leadership, time management, and effective communication distinguish outstanding chefs in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges professional chefs face in a busy kitchen, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Chefs often encounter challenges such as high-pressure environments, time management issues during peak hours, and coordinating with a diverse kitchen staff. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to delegate tasks are crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Additionally, staying adaptable and calm under pressure helps chefs ensure quality and consistency in dishes, even during the busiest service periods.

What is the difference between Professional Chef vs Cook?

AspectProfessional ChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often requiredMinimal formal training, on-the-job learning common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsRestaurants, catering, institutional kitchens
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, creating dishesPreparing ingredients, cooking dishes as instructed
Industry UsageHigh-level culinary roles, often with leadership dutiesEntry-level or supporting roles in food preparation

The main difference between a Professional Chef and a Cook lies in their responsibilities, training, and roles within the culinary industry. Professional Chefs typically have formal training and oversee kitchen operations, while Cooks focus on food preparation and cooking under supervision. Both roles are essential, but the Chef usually holds a higher level of expertise and leadership.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Professional Chef jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Professional Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,917 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Upper Crust Food Service rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

At Upper Crust Food Service we believe great food does more than fill plates, it creates connection, strengthens communities, and transforms everyday experiences. Across college campuses, K-12 schools, camps, and Greek housing, our teams bring hospitality to life through fresh food, meaningful relationships, and service people can count on. While we began serving fraternity and sorority communities more than 15 years ago, we've grown into a national hospitality partner supporting a wide range of dining programs across the country. No matter the setting, our purpose remains the same: to show up for the people we serve and for one another.
If you're looking for meaningful work, real ownership, and a team that believes hospitality can make a difference, we'd love to meet you.
The Field Chef is a campus-wide culinary role designed to provide agile daily coverage across all houses on a qualifying campus and to serve as the on-campus bench for permanent Chef openings. Rather than being assigned to a single house, the Field Chef rotates across every house in the campus portfolio - stepping in to cover chef absences, support high-volume service, assist with special events, and partner with senior chefs on structured development.
Key Responsibilities:
Daily Coverage & Service Execution
  • Receive daily assignments from the Area Manager or Operations Specialist and report to the assigned house ready to lead service.
  • When covering an absent Chef, execute the house's planned menu to the standard expected by the house's clients - preserving continuity during the absence.
  • Manage back-of-house operations for the day including prep coordination, station setup, food safety compliance, and service execution.
  • Partner with the house's front-of-house team and house leadership on day-of logistics, dietary accommodations, and guest needs.

Cross-House Rotation & Campus Familiarity
  • Rotate across all houses served on campus, building working relationships with each house's team, clients, and leadership.
  • Learn each kitchen's equipment, inventory systems, vendor relationships, and service cadence.
  • Document insights, standards, and opportunities observed across houses to inform campus-wide best practices.

Prep, Events & Onboarding Support (coverage-light days)
  • Provide pre-service prep assistance at houses with high-volume meal periods.
  • Support new house onboarding during the first weeks of service on a new campus contract.
  • Execute special events including philanthropies, recruitment events, and formal dinners.
  • Complete structured shadow time with senior chefs as part of a documented development plan.

Development & Promotion Readiness
  • Participate in semi-annual development reviews with the Area Manager covering culinary skills, leadership, client management, and business acumen.
  • Build a portfolio of menu concepts, costed recipes, and service plans in preparation for independent menu ownership.
  • Maintain a professional, coachable posture across every rotation - the role's success depends on being welcomed into every kitchen on campus.

Qualifications:
Required
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional kitchen experience.
  • 3+ years in a professional kitchen, with at least 1 year at the Sous Chef level or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to execute a menu designed by another chef to that chef's standard.
  • Strong food safety knowledge; ServSafe certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
  • Flexibility and mobility - willingness to work across multiple kitchens on short notice, including early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to integrate quickly into established kitchen teams.

Preferred
  • Prior experience in high-volume residential, hospitality, or institutional food service.
  • Experience with menu design, recipe costing, and inventory management.
  • Exposure to dietary accommodation programs (allergen management, religious and lifestyle diets).

Special Demands:
  • The work environment can be loud and busy. There are many kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and liquids, sharp knives, and slippery floors.
  • Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Required to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop.
  • Must be able to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals.

Upper Crust Food Service provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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