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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Food Service Associate in Arkansas is $28,929 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $14.
However, a Food Service Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Food Service Associate Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $30,895 | $2,575 | $594 | $15 |
| Average | $28,929 | $2,411 | $556 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,387 | $2,199 | $507 | $13 |
Buc-ee's - Benton, AR
Winthrop Rockefeller Institute - Morrilton, AR
SSA Attractions Group - Little Rock, AR
SSA Group, LLC - Little Rock, AR
A Food Service Associate's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Food Service Associate's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Food Service Associate | $28,929 |
| Intermediate Level Food Service Associate | $29,168 |
| Senior Level Food Service Associate | $29,630 |
| Specialist Level Food Service Associate | $29,723 |
| Expert Level Food Service Associate | $29,784 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Food Service Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Food Service Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Food Service Associate positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Food Service Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $36,162 | $17.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $34,715 | $17.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $34,715 | $17.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $33,269 | $16.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $31,822 | $15.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Food Service Associate's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $30,895 | $2,575 | $594 | $15 |
| Average | $28,929 | $2,411 | $556 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,387 | $2,199 | $507 | $13 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Food Service Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Ashdown School District
Ashdown, AR
Ashdown School District | Ashdown, AR
Substitute Food Service Worker. An ESS substitute food service worker plays an integral role in preparing and delivering meals to students in a clean, safe... more
3 Days Ago
Elior North America
Bentonville, AR
Elior North America | Bentonville, AR
Elior North America - - Responsibilities: Prepare, serve, and distribute food in various areas of the department. Work in tray line, dish room, cafeteria, ... more
3 Days Ago
Elior North America
Bentonville, AR
Elior North America | Bentonville, AR
Elior North America - - Responsibilities: Preparing, serving and distributing food, and may require working in various areas of the department, such as the... more
3 Days Ago
The Springs Hillcrest
Prescott, AR
The Springs Hillcrest | Prescott, AR
Job Description. Job Description. The Springs of Hillcrest is looking for a friendly, outgoing, food service worker to join our dietary team. Part-time 11a... more
4 Days Ago
Chartwells K12
Hot Springs, AR
Chartwells K12 | Hot Springs, AR
Job Description. Job Description. . We are hiring immediately for seasonal. FOOD SERVICE CONCESSION. positions. Location. Lakeside Public Schools - 2837 Ma... more
4 Days Ago
Fresh Stop
Lonsdale, AR
Fresh Stop | Lonsdale, AR
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Food Service Team Member. Department: Food Service Operations. Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt. Position... more
4 Days Ago
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