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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Culinary Assistant in New Jersey is $36,247 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Culinary Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Culinary Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,921 | $3,243 | $748 | $19 |
| Average | $36,247 | $3,021 | $697 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,750 | $2,812 | $649 | $16 |
Utica Specialty Foods LLC - Kenilworth, NJ
Compass Group - Harrison, NJ
Levy Restaurants - HARRISON, NJ
SEAFOOD TREASURES - Forked River, NJ
A Culinary Assistant'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Culinary Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Culinary Assistant | $35,658 |
| Intermediate Level Culinary Assistant | $35,727 |
| Senior Level Culinary Assistant | $36,636 |
| Specialist Level Culinary Assistant | $37,843 |
| Expert Level Culinary Assistant | $37,929 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Culinary Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Culinary Assistant positions in Financial Services or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Culinary Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $47,121 | $23.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $45,309 | $22.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $43,497 | $21.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $41,684 | $20.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $39,872 | $19.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Culinary Assistant'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 | $38,921 | $3,243 | $748 | $19 |
| Average | $36,247 | $3,021 | $697 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,750 | $2,812 | $649 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Culinary Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SUMMER & SAGE COFFEE LLC
Brigantine, NJ
SUMMER & SAGE COFFEE LLC | Brigantine, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. Join SUMMER & SAGE COFFEE LLC as a Culinary Student and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of coffee a... more
4 Days Ago
Chick-fil-A
Audubon, NJ
Chick-fil-A | Audubon, NJ
Chick-fil-A - 110 Black Horse Pike - Responsibilities: Oversee opening and closing procedures ensuring timeliness and consistency. Maintain health and safe... more
1 Day Ago
RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA
Perth Amboy, NJ
RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA | Perth Amboy, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Description. The Raritan Bay Area YMCA is seeking a. Lil’ Chef Culinary Instructor. to teach youth culinary classes in a ... more
3 Days Ago
MOGO - Cookman
Asbury Park, NJ
MOGO - Cookman | Asbury Park, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. MOGO Korean Fusion Tacos - Cookman location. is looking for hard-working, passionate and culinary focused individuals to ... more
3 Days Ago
Delaware North
East Rutherford, NJ
Delaware North | East Rutherford, NJ
The opportunity Delaware North Sportservice is hiring seasonal Culinary Supervisors to join our team at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Our ... more
4 Days Ago
Millburn Standard
Millburn, NJ
Millburn Standard | Millburn, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Culinary Manager. Location: Millburn, NJ. Job Type: Full-time. Salary: Based on Experience. About Us. Millburn more
4 Days Ago
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