What is the average hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks is $27.62 per hour. This translates to approximately $57,440 per year working full-time.

What states pay Chefs and Head Cooks the most?

Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks vary significantly by location. Use the state-by-state table above to see which states offer the highest median wages for this occupation.

What education is needed to become a chefs and head cook?

Typical education required: No formal credential.

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary

Name: Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Data
Creator: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
License: https://www.bls.gov/bls/linksite.htm

Official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024

Median Annual Salary

$57,440

$27.62 / hour

▲ 7% (Faster than average)

Salary Range

$30,443 - $98,797

10th to 90th percentile

Total Employed

152,060

workers nationally

🏛️ Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | Updated: Annual | Methodology

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary by Percentile

$30,443 $98,797

10th pct Median: $57,440 90th pct

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
10th (Entry Level)	$30,443	$14.64
25th Percentile	$41,357	$19.88
50th (Median)	$57,440	$27.62
75th Percentile	$79,267	$38.11
90th (Top Earners)	$98,797	$47.50
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Top Paying States for Chefs and Head Cooks

#	State	Median Annual	Median Hourly
1	District of Columbia (DC)	$75,821	$36.45
2	California (CA)	$71,800	$34.52
3	Massachusetts (MA)	$70,077	$33.69
4	New York (NY)	$70,077	$33.69
5	New Jersey (NJ)	$68,928	$33.14
6	Connecticut (CT)	$67,779	$32.59
7	Maryland (MD)	$67,779	$32.59
8	Hawaii (HI)	$66,056	$31.76
9	Alaska (AK)	$64,333	$30.93
10	Washington (WA)	$64,333	$30.93
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Chefs and Head Cooks

Chefs and Head Cooks work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the food service sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Requirements

Typical Entry-Level Education: No formal credential

Job Outlook for Chefs and Head Cooks

Projected Growth

+7%

2022-2032

▲ 7% (Faster than average)

Annual Job Openings

1,505,900

projected annually

Outlook data based on BLS Employment Projections program. Growth rate is projected change in employment 2022-2032.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make?

The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks is $57,440 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Entry-level workers earn around $30,443, while the top 10% earn $98,797 or more.

What is the hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks?

Chefs and Head Cooks earn a median hourly wage of $27.62 per hour. Working full-time (40 hrs/week, 52 weeks), this equals approximately $57,440 annually.

Is Chefs and Head Cooks a good-paying career?

With a median salary of $57,440, Chefs and Head Cooks represents a viable career path. Job outlook: Faster than average (7% growth, 2022-2032).

What education do Chefs and Head Cooks need?

Typical entry-level education: No formal credential. Requirements vary by employer and specialization - check with specific employers and BLS OOH for detailed requirements.