How Much Do Chefs Make?
$53,380median annual salary
$25.66/hour · $4,448/month · BLS Code: 35-1011
Chefs and head cooks oversee food preparation in restaurants, hotels, and other dining establishments. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, order supplies, and ensure food quality and safety. The culinary path is one of the most accessible high-skill careers, with advancement based on talent and experience rather than degrees.
Chef Salary at a Glance
Entry Level
$31,240
Starting salary
Median
$53,380
50th percentile
Senior Level
$86,990
Experienced professionals
Top 10%
$97,760
90th percentile
Salary Range
Salary by Experience Level
Top Paying States for Chefs
#1
Hawaii
$78,060
#2
New Jersey
$74,930
#3
Connecticut
$73,010
#4
Rhode Island
$71,420
#5
District of Columbia
$70,200
Top Paying Cities for Chefs
Education & Requirements
Education
No formal education required; culinary arts degree or apprenticeship preferred
Typical Degree
Culinary Arts Degree (optional)
Certifications
Job Outlook
+5%
Projected Growth (2022-2032)
158,100
Total Employed
BLS Outlook Category
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Chef Salary FAQ
How much do chefs make per year?
The median salary for chefs and head cooks is about $53,380. Executive chefs at upscale restaurants earn $70,000-$120,000+. Celebrity chefs and restaurant owners can earn millions.
Do you need culinary school to become a chef?
No. Many successful chefs learned entirely through kitchen experience. However, culinary school can accelerate career progression and teach fundamentals of technique, nutrition, and management.
What is the highest paying chef position?
Executive chefs at luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants earn $80,000-$120,000+. Corporate executive chefs for restaurant groups, celebrity chefs, and restaurant owners earn even more.
Is being a chef worth it?
It depends on your passion. The work is physically demanding with long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays. Pay is modest early on. But for those who love cooking, the creative fulfillment and career autonomy can be deeply rewarding.
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Read moreSalary data is based on BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, industry surveys, and widely-reported compensation benchmarks. Figures are approximate and vary by location, employer, experience, and market conditions. This is educational content — not career or financial advice.