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The average annual pay for chefs is $66,700 as of 2025, the most recent year studied, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can be a great career for foodies and creative types who love being in the kitchen and can deal with the pressures of a food service job.
A good meal can really make someone’s day, whether they’re celebrating a special occasion or not. Chefs can work in a variety of settings, from local eateries to cruise ships, corporate dining rooms, and test kitchens. Read on to learn more about the kind of salary a chef earns and the factors that impact their earning potential the most.
Key Points
• The average annual salary for chefs is $66,700, reflecting the potential for a rewarding career in food service.
• Chefs can work in diverse environments, including cruise ships, corporate dining halls, and local eateries.
• Entry-level chefs typically earn around $37,900, aligning with the lowest 10% of salaries in the field.
• Top-earning chefs can make over $98,560, especially in high-profile or major city venues.
• Average salaries for chefs vary significantly by state, with Washington chefs earning the most at $58,017.
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What Are Chefs?
Professional chefs do so much more than cook food.
• Many chefs are in charge of other kitchen staff and help guide them to success in their careers. (For this reason, it may not be a good job for introverts.)
• They may also manage inventory, order food, and confirm that ingredients are fresh and ready to use.
• They may develop recipes and create menus.
• Chefs may hire and train other chefs to work under them.
• If a chef owns their own restaurant, they’ll also take on all the work associated with running a business.
Chefs don’t exclusively work in restaurants. Some may work for catering companies, in hotels, on cruise ships, or at event spaces. They may even work for large offices that cater food for employees each day or at schools and universities, feeding hungry students. There are also chefs who run their own businesses, catering local parties and weddings or providing baked goods for cafes.
What’s more, chefs don’t necessarily need special training. Some may have degrees in food service or hospitality, while others may have attended culinary school or taken classes in various techniques. But others are simply talented people with great skills and taste who want to turn their passion for food into a career.
That said, working in food service can require being on your feet for long hours, and the pressure can be significant since there are hungry people waiting to be fed.
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How Much Do Starting Chefs Make a Year?
Entry-level chefs can expect to make less than average, as that figure includes chefs who have spent years working their way up the pay scale. Instead, a new chef might expect to be on par with the lowest 10% of chefs, or less than $37,900.
Worth noting: The top 10% of chefs make more than $98,560, indicating that there’s the potential to earn $100,000 a year in this career. That’s more likely to happen for those who live in major cities, land a job with a big brand or hospitality chain, or perhaps find fame as a chef on social media.
What Is the Average Salary for a Chef?
In addition to how experienced they are, the state a chef works in can also impact how much money they earn. While the average nationwide salary for chefs is currently $66,700, the following table highlights how much variance chefs can see in pay depending on the state they live and work in.
For example, chefs in Washington state tend to earn more than the national average ($58,017), whereas Florida chefs earn much less ($38,280).
This table is arranged from highest to lowest salary and features average annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly pay.
What Is the Average Chef Salary by State for 2026?
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $58,017 | $4,834 | $1,115 | $27.89 |
| District of Columbia | $57,886 | $4,823 | $1,113 | $27.83 |
| New York | $56,042 | $4,670 | $1,077 | $26.94 |
| Massachusetts | $55,944 | $4,662 | $1,075 | $26.90 |
| Alaska | $55,166 | $4,597 | $1,060 | $26.52 |
| Vermont | $54,465 | $4,538 | $1,047 | $26.19 |
| North Dakota | $54,200 | $4,516 | $1,042 | $26.06 |
| Oregon | $54,159 | $4,513 | $1,041 | $26.04 |
| Colorado | $53,864 | $4,488 | $1,035 | $25.90 |
| Hawaii | $53,221 | $4,435 | $1,023 | $25.59 |
| Nevada | $52,163 | $4,346 | $1,003 | $25.08 |
| New Jersey | $52,005 | $4,333 | $1,000 | $25.00 |
| Wisconsin | $51,704 | $4,308 | $994 | $24.86 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,348 | $4,279 | $987 | $24.69 |
| Delaware | $51,269 | $4,272 | $985 | $24.65 |
| South Dakota | $51,225 | $4,268 | $985 | $24.63 |
| Virginia | $50,786 | $4,232 | $976 | $24.42 |
| California | $50,554 | $4,212 | $972 | $24.30 |
| Minnesota | $50,170 | $4,180 | $964 | $24.12 |
| Rhode Island | $50,165 | $4,180 | $964 | $24.12 |
| New Hampshire | $49,817 | $4,151 | $958 | $23.95 |
| Maryland | $49,716 | $4,143 | $956 | $23.90 |
| New Mexico | $49,641 | $4,136 | $954 | $23.87 |
| Illinois | $49,638 | $4,136 | $954 | $23.86 |
| Maine | $49,596 | $4,133 | $953 | $23.84 |
| Wyoming | $49,238 | $4,103 | $946 | $23.67 |
| Nebraska | $48,840 | $4,070 | $939 | $23.48 |
| Indiana | $48,744 | $4,062 | $937 | $23.43 |
| Connecticut | $48,730 | $4,060 | $937 | $23.43 |
| Ohio | $48,699 | $4,058 | $936 | $23.41 |
| Mississippi | $48,514 | $4,042 | $932 | $23.32 |
| Idaho | $48,197 | $4,016 | $926 | $23.17 |
| Iowa | $48,114 | $4,009 | $925 | $23.13 |
| Missouri | $48,049 | $4,004 | $924 | $23.10 |
| Arizona | $47,736 | $3,978 | $918 | $22.95 |
| Texas | $47,724 | $3,977 | $917 | $22.94 |
| South Carolina | $47,534 | $3,961 | $914 | $22.85 |
| Oklahoma | $47,298 | $3,941 | $909 | $22.74 |
| Montana | $47,017 | $3,918 | $904 | $22.60 |
| Utah | $46,634 | $3,886 | $896 | $22.42 |
| North Carolina | $46,553 | $3,879 | $895 | $22.38 |
| Tennessee | $46,493 | $3,874 | $894 | $22.35 |
| Alabama | $46,430 | $3,869 | $892 | $22.32 |
| Kansas | $45,685 | $3,807 | $878 | $21.96 |
| Michigan | $44,647 | $3,720 | $858 | $21.46 |
| Kentucky | $44,490 | $3,707 | $855 | $21.39 |
| Louisiana | $43,804 | $3,650 | $842 | $21.06 |
| Georgia | $43,253 | $3,604 | $831 | $20.79 |
| Arkansas | $42,358 | $3,529 | $814 | $20.36 |
| West Virginia | $39,657 | $3,304 | $762 | $19.07 |
| Florida | $38,280 | $3,190 | $736 | $18.40 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
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Chef Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
It’s hard to pinpoint what potential benefits chefs gain in addition to their hourly wage or annual salary because benefits packages vary considerably.
That being said, many chefs who work full-time will qualify for traditional employer-sponsored benefits, such as retirement savings accounts, health insurance, and paid time off.
Chefs who work part-time may not qualify for any benefits, and those who own their own businesses will be responsible for securing them.
💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Chef Salary
One major advantage of being a chef is that many years of expensive schooling aren’t required to earn a decent salary. Not having to worry about student loans can help a chef’s salary stretch a lot further. While some chefs may choose to attend culinary programs at a technical school, culinary arts school, community college, or four-year college, this education can often be obtained affordably.
On the flip side, it can be challenging to find a full-time role as a chef that comes with benefits, and the trade-off for a decent salary is often very long and hard working hours, with a considerable degree of stress.
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The Takeaway
Working as a chef can be an exciting way to earn a solid living. Those who are passionate about food will likely love going to work every day. This job does come with its challenges — primarily, it’s physically demanding and high-pressure — but it can be a great way to turn a love of food and cooking into a career.
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FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a chef?
While it’s possible to earn $100,000 a year as a chef, it isn’t typical to earn that much. The average annual salary for chefs is $66,700. That being said, chefs who work in fine dining or who own their own businesses may be able to earn more competitive pay.
Do people like being a chef?
If someone loves to cook, they’ll likely enjoy being a chef. However, this job does require a lot of social interaction with other members of the kitchen and wait staff, so it’s not a great fit for anyone who considers themselves antisocial.
Is it hard to get hired as a chef?
There are about 24,400 openings annually for chefs and head cooks, and job opportunities are growing faster than average. So if someone has the right skill set and qualifications, they should be able to find a job as a chef. It’s important to note that it may be challenging to get hired as a chef if someone lives in an area without a lot of restaurants or lacks industry experience.
What factors influence a chef’s salary the most?
A chef’s salary is primarily driven by their title, their reputation, the type of establishment, and geographic location. Culinary skills matter, but the local market does the most to determine what chefs can demand, so major metropolitan areas and tourist hotspots will always pay more to retain quality talent.
How long does it take to become a chef?
Culinary school takes generally 2-4 years, but hands-on kitchen experience is essential for advancement. It generally takes 2-3 years to become a sous chef (a junior management role), and it can take over 10 years to reach the level of executive chef.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: Dimensions
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