How Much Does a Chef II make?

Chef II made a median salary around $105,572 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $121,356 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $92,309. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $92,309 10% $80,233 90% $135,726 75% $121,356 $105,572 50%(Median)
Check out CHEF jobs in Hawaii

Patient Care Coordinator

Dominic J. Raymond II, DDS - MORGANTOWN, WV

RN PER DIEM II

University of New Mexico - Hospitals - RIO RANCHO, NM

RN PER DIEM II

University of New Mexico - Hospitals - RIO RANCHO, NM

RN PER DIEM II

University of New Mexico - Hospitals - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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Best-Paying Cities for Chef II

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Chef II profession are Aiea , Camp H M Smith , Ewa Beach , Fort Shafter , Honolulu .
Aiea, HI $105,067
Camp H M Smith, HI $105,067
Ewa Beach, HI $105,067
Fort Shafter, HI $105,067
Honolulu, HI $105,067

Best-Paying States for Chef II

The states and districts that pay Chef II the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $112,442) , California (around $111,431) , New Jersey (around $110,724) , Alaska (around $110,017) , and Massachusetts (around $109,916) .
District of Columbia $112,442
California $111,431
New Jersey $110,724
Alaska $110,017
Massachusetts $109,916

Frequently Asked Questions for Chef II

Q: What is the salary range of Chef II in Hawaii?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Chef II in Hawaii earned an average annual salary of $92,309 , while the highest-paid made $121,356.
Q: What is the salary for a Chef II in California?
A: Chef II employed in California earned an average salary of $111,431 in 2025.

Average Chef II Pay vs. Other Jobs

Chef II earned an average salary of $105,572 in 2025. Other jobs related to Chef II earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Chef made $56,052 , Sous Chef made $55,367 , Executive Chef and Pastry Chef made $104,411 and $72,086 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Chef II

Chef - Average Salary $56,052
There is currently no job description for Chef, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Chef.
Sous Chef - Average Salary $55,367
Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in the daily kitchen operations including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control, and sanitation. Oversees the activities of the kitchen staff and monitors food production and presentation. Being a Sous Chef resolves operational issues. Performs quality checks on ingredients and prepared dishes. Additionally, Sous Chef complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. May require an associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to an executive chef. Working team member that may validate or coordinate the work of others on a support team. Suggests improvements to process, is a knowledge resource for other team members. Has no authority for staff actions. Generally has a minimum of 2 years experience as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of the team processes.
Executive Chef - Average Salary $104,411
Executive Chef directs and oversees kitchen operations, including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control and sanitation. Creates and updates menus that will appeal to customers, utilize seasonal ingredients, and maximize profits. Being an Executive Chef develops and tests new recipes. Solicits and studies customer feedback to maintain high standards of quality and satisfaction. Additionally, Executive Chef troubleshoots and resolves operational issues. Complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to top management. The Executive Chef typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be an Executive Chef typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Pastry Chef - Average Salary $72,086
Pastry Chef leads the production and presentation of pastries and baked goods including sourcing, purchasing, inventory, and cost control. Develops and tests recipes and sources ingredients to create unique pastries and baked goods. Being a Pastry Chef creates dessert menus that complement meal offerings, appeal to diners and maximize profits. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Additionally, Pastry Chef maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. May require an associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to an executive chef. The Pastry Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. To be a Pastry Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Cook II - Average Salary $44,203
Cook II prepares menu dishes following established recipes and using designated ingredients that meet production and quality standards. Utilizes portion and presentation standards to create appealing and flavorful dishes. Being a Cook II may prepare unique dishes to fulfill customer requests. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Additionally, Cook II maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. Typically requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a sous chef or executive chef. The Cook II works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Cook II typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.