Pay by Role
Skilled Trades · United States

Chef Salary in United States

Chefs plan menus, prepare food, and lead kitchen teams. The United States median is $81,600 per year. Pick a city below for a local breakdown.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

National median
$81,600
per year
Monthly (national)
$6,800
per month, before tax
Highest-paying city
$110,000
Washington DC, DC
Hourly (national)
$39.23
varies by city

Chef salary by city in United States

CityPer year
Washington DC, DC$110,000
Los Angeles, CA$105,000
San Diego, CA$96,900
Chicago, IL$87,200
The Bronx, NY$81,600
Jacksonville, FL$81,600
Fort Worth, TX$81,600
Philadelphia, PA$81,400
Houston, TX$75,800
Dallas, TX$75,700
Phoenix, AZ$72,600
San Antonio, TX$67,500

Chef salary in other countries

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Related Skilled Trades salaries in United States

ElectricianPlumberCarpenterWelderHVAC Technician

Frequently asked questions

How much does a chef make in United States?
The national median chef salary in United States is about $81,600 per year ($6,800 per month). Across 12 cities, pay ranges from about $67,500 to $110,000.
Which United States city pays chefs the most?
Washington DC, DC pays the most at about $110,000 per year.
Which United States city pays chefs the least?
Among cities we cover, San Antonio, TX is on the lower end at about $67,500 per year for a chef.
What is the typical salary range for a chef in United States?
Across United States cities we cover, chef pay commonly spans from about $47,200 at the entry end in lower-paying markets up to about $157,000 for senior pay in higher-paying cities. Open a city page for the full local percentile band.
How many United States cities have chef salary data?
Pay by Role publishes chef pay for 12 cities in United States, all shown in USD.
Is chef in demand in United States?
Employment for this role is projected to change by about +5% over the next decade. Related skilled trades roles on Pay by Role include Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter.