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 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $72,670 |
| Vineland, NJ | $75,050 |
| Jackson, TN | $69,280 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $84,990 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $68,830 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $74,290 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $79,340 |
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 or equivalent, 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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