How Much Does a Culinary Associate make?

Culinary Associate made a median salary around $41,573 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $46,260 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $37,651. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Culinary Associate

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Culinary Associate profession are Saline , Ypsilanti , Ann Arbor , Dexter , Salem .
Saline, MI $43,973
Ypsilanti, MI $43,973
Ann Arbor, MI $43,973
Dexter, MI $43,973
Salem, MI $43,930

Best-Paying States for Culinary Associate

The states and districts that pay Culinary Associate the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $47,702) , California (around $47,273) , New Jersey (around $46,973) , Alaska (around $46,673) , and Massachusetts (around $46,630) .
District of Columbia $47,702
California $47,273
New Jersey $46,973
Alaska $46,673
Massachusetts $46,630

What is the Career Path of Culinary Associate?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Culinary Associate, the first career path typically starts with a Sous Chef position , and then progresses to Kitchen Manager.

Additionally, the second career path typically progresses to Pastry Chef.

Besides, Culinary Associate can also turn to other related jobs, including Culinary Sales Associate , Culinary Services Manager , Culinary Instructor and Culinary Manager .

Frequently Asked Questions for Culinary Associate

Q: What is the salary range of Culinary Associate in Grand Rapids, MI?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Culinary Associate in Grand Rapids, MI earned an average annual salary of $37,651 , while the highest-paid made $46,260.
Q: What is the salary for a Culinary Associate in California?
A: Culinary Associate employed in California earned an average salary of $47,273 in 2025.

Average Culinary Associate Pay vs. Other Jobs

Culinary Associate earned an average salary of $41,573 in 2025. Other jobs related to Culinary Associate earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Culinary Sales Associate made $26,960 , Culinary Services Manager made $82,200 , Culinary Instructor and Culinary Manager made $48,845 and $89,567 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Culinary Associate

Culinary Sales Associate - Average Salary $26,960
There is currently no job description for Culinary Sales Associate, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Culinary Sales Associate.
Culinary Services Manager - Average Salary $82,200
The Culinary Services Manager oversees food and beverage inventory and budget control. Manages the daily activities of the organization's food and beverage function. Being a Culinary Services Manager assists in the planning and coordination of special events. Assists the Food and Beverage Director in menu planning, preparation and presentation of food and drinks, and monitoring adherence to quality and safety standards. In addition, Culinary Services Manager may require an associate's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Culinary Services Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Culinary Services Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Culinary Instructor - Average Salary $48,845
There is currently no job description for Culinary Instructor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Culinary Instructor.
Culinary Manager - Average Salary $89,567
There is currently no job description for Culinary Manager, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Culinary Manager.
Culinary Chef - Average Salary $52,029
There is currently no job description for Culinary Chef, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Culinary Chef.