As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Chef in the United States is $55,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, an Assistant Chef's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Assistant Chef's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Chef's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Cook I | 0-1 years | $33,836 |
| Cook II | 1-3 years | $37,676 |
| Cook III | 3-5 years | $42,435 |
| Assistant Chef | 5+ years | $55,732 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Assistant Cheves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.45% |
| Foodservice | 3.29% |
| Purchasing | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Commitment
|
$67,518 |
21%
|
|
HACCP
|
$66,960 |
20%
|
|
Preventive Maintenance
|
$61,380 |
10%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$59,706 |
7%
|
|
Cost Control
|
$59,706 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$59,706 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Assistant Cheves enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Assistant Chef with a Bachelor's Degree is between $48,839 and $53,073).
Assistant Chef Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.1% |
| High School | 23.5% |
| Associates | 53.8% |
| Bachelors | 19.9% |
| Masters | 0.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Assistant Chef's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Assistant Chef, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet Chef | $59,100 | 6% |
| Head Pastry Chef | $69,580 | 25% |
Salaries for an Assistant Chef can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,480 in 2023 to around $42,434 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Assistant Chef salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $43,480 |
| 2024 | $43,221 |
| 2025 | $42,434 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Assistant Chef and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Chef job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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The highest paying chef jobs include Executive Chef with an average salary of $95,302 and Food Service Director at $102,175. However, for Assistant Chefs, the salary ranges from $45,800 to $61,500, with a mid-salary of $52,800. While Assistant Chefs earn less than top positions, they play a crucial role in the culinary industry.
Assistant chefs typically earn between $45,800 and $61,500 annually, with a mid-salary of $52,800. Factors such as location, education, and experience can influence these figures. Assistant chefs in areas with a higher cost of living may see salaries on the higher end of this range.
An assistant chef, often referred to as a sous chef or deputy chef, serves as the second-in-command in the kitchen hierarchy, reporting directly to the head chef or executive chef. The salary for an assistant chef typically ranges from $45,800 to $61,500, with a mid-range salary of $52,800, reflecting their vital role in kitchen operations.
An assistant chef supports the head chef in various culinary settings, managing inventory and ensuring food safety and cleanliness. They assist in food preparation and other kitchen tasks. The salary for an assistant chef typically ranges from $45,800 to $61,500, with a mid-range salary of $52,800, reflecting their vital role in the kitchen.
Chef assistants in the US typically earn between $45,800 and $61,500 annually. The average salary is around $52,800. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and location, with top earners making up to $61,500.
The highest paying states for chefs vary, but cities like New York, NY, lead with salaries around $109,584. For Assistant Chefs, the salary range is between $45,800 and $61,500, with a mid-salary of $52,800. Other notable cities include San Diego, CA, and Las Vegas, NV, where salaries are also competitive.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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