As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Culinary Professional in the United States is $37,948 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Culinary Professional's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Culinary Professional'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.
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 Culinary Professionals. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Culinary Professional roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Culinary Professional positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Culinary Professional as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $47,435 | $23.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $45,537 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Internet | $45,537 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $45,537 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $41,743 | $20.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Culinary Professionals enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Culinary Professional with a No Diploma is between $39,422 and $41,396).
Culinary Professional Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 30.8% |
| Associates | 42.3% |
| Bachelors | 19.2% |
| Masters | 3.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Culinary Professional'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Culinary Professional can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,863 in 2023 to around $36,833 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Culinary Professional salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $37,863 |
| 2024 | $37,433 |
| 2025 | $36,833 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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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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