Chef vs Plumber salary
In United States, a chef earns about 5% more than a plumber — $81,600 vs $77,400 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Chef | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $52,200 | $53,000 |
| 25th | $66,900 | $65,200 |
| Median | $81,600 | $77,400 |
| 75th | $99,600 | $92,300 |
| Senior (90th) | $117,500 | $107,200 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Skilled Trades comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a chef or plumber earn more in United States?
- A chef earns more, at about $81,600 per year vs $77,400 for a plumber — roughly 5% ($4,200) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A chef typically earns $52,200–$117,500, while a plumber earns $53,000–$107,200 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a chef averages about $6,800 and a plumber about $6,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a chef earns about $52,200 while a plumber earns about $53,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a chef earns about $117,500 while a plumber earns about $107,200 per year.
- Are chef and plumber similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Skilled Trades category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.