Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in the United States is $62,470 per year — about $30 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $48,440 and $78,750 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Chefs and Head Cooks
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Terre Haute, IN | $85,920 |
| Morgantown, WV | $81,330 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $84,430 |
| Jackson, TN | $69,280 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $72,670 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $68,830 |
| Vineland, NJ | $75,050 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $79,340 |
| Florence, SC | $67,550 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $84,990 |
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by state
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Frequently asked questions
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in the US?
The median salary is $62,470 per year (about $30 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $48,440 and $78,750 a year.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour?
About $30 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $62,470 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Chefs and Head Cooks?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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