Chef Salary in 2026
Chefs plan menus, prepare meals, manage kitchen operations, and oversee culinary teams in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses. They create recipes and ensure food quality and safety.
Median Salary
$53,000
$4,417/mo
Entry Level
$31,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$81,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Chef Overview
Chefs plan menus, prepare meals, manage kitchen operations, and oversee culinary teams in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses. They create recipes and ensure food quality and safety.
Education
Culinary Arts Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Hospitality
Total Jobs (US)
160K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Hospitality
Hourly Rate
$25.48/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,417
Chef Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Chef salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Chef Salary
$64,000
$5,333/month · $2,462/biweekly · $30.77/hr
Chef Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Chef field.
Entry-level Chefs earn around $31,000, while the top 10% earn $88,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Chefs
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $63,000 | +$10,000 |
| New York | $61,000 | +$8,000 |
| Illinois | $55,000 | +$2,000 |
| Florida | $52,000 | $-1,000 |
| Nevada | $52,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Chefs
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $63,000 | +$10,000 |
| Los Angeles | $59,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $56,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $54,000 | +$1,000 |
| Las Vegas | $52,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Chef Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Chef from entry level to expert.
$31,000
0-2 years
$56,000
3-7 years
$81,000
8-14 years
$96,000
15+ years
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Chef Salary FAQ
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