How Much Does a Chefs make?

Chefs made a median salary around $110,017 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $126,465 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $96,195. 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% $96,195 10% $83,612 90% $141,441 75% $126,465 $110,017 50%(Median)
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Chefs

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Chefs profession are Fort Wainwright , North Pole , Fairbanks , Eielson Afb , Jber .
Fort Wainwright, AK $112,138
North Pole, AK $112,138
Fairbanks, AK $112,138
Eielson Afb, AK $111,835
Jber, AK $111,330

Best-Paying States for Chefs

The states and districts that pay Chefs 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 Chefs

Q: What is the salary range of Chefs in Alaska?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Chefs in Alaska earned an average annual salary of $96,195 , while the highest-paid made $126,465.
Q: What is the salary for a Chefs in California?
A: Chefs employed in California earned an average salary of $111,431 in 2025.

Average Chefs Pay vs. Other Jobs

Chefs earned an average salary of $110,017 in 2025. Other jobs related to Chefs earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Chefs Assistant made $40,718 , Chefs And Head Cooks made $53,981 .

Relevant Jobs of Chefs

Chefs Assistant - Average Salary $40,718
There is currently no job description for Chefs Assistant, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Chefs Assistant.
Chefs And Head Cooks - Average Salary $53,981
There is currently no job description for Chefs And Head Cooks, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Chefs And Head Cooks.