As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Chef in the United States is $49,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, an Assistant Chef's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Assistant Chef Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $54,800 | $4,567 | $1,054 | $26 |
| Average | $49,600 | $4,133 | $954 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,700 | $3,725 | $860 | $21 |
An Assistant Chef's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 6.45% |
| Foodservice | 3.29% |
| Purchasing | 1.49% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Assistant Chef's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | $60,016 | |
| HACCP | $59,520 | |
| Preventive Maintenance | $54,560 |
Assistant Chef salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,430. While startup companies pay approximate $46,888.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $46,888 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,589 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $53,525 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $55,430 |
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).
| Typical Education for Assistant Chef | |
|---|---|
| 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $54,800 | $4,567 | $1,054 | $26 |
| Average | $49,600 | $4,133 | $954 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,700 | $3,725 | $860 | $21 |
Next Role
Promotions 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 | $59,200 | 19% |
| Head Pastry Chef | $58,640 | 18% |
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
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Assistant Chef roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: