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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chef Instructor in Virginia is $89,945 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Chef Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chef Instructor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $99,951 | $8,329 | $1,922 | $48 |
| Average | $89,945 | $7,495 | $1,730 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,811 | $6,734 | $1,554 | $39 |
Cozymeal, Inc. - Chesapeake, VA
Cozymeal, Inc. - Norfolk, VA
CSC Generation - McLean, VA
CSC Generation - Alexandria, VA
A Chef Instructor'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 Chef Instructor'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 Chef Instructor | $85,767 |
| Intermediate Level Chef Instructor | $86,180 |
| Senior Level Chef Instructor | $87,144 |
| Specialist Level Chef Instructor | $88,245 |
| Expert Level Chef Instructor | $90,239 |
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 Chef Instructors. 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 Chef Instructor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Chef Instructor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chef Instructor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $112,431 | $54.0 | 25% |
| Internet | $107,934 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $107,934 | $52.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $106,135 | $51.0 | 18% |
| Software & Networking | $103,437 | $50.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Chef Instructor'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 | $99,951 | $8,329 | $1,922 | $48 |
| Average | $89,945 | $7,495 | $1,730 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,811 | $6,734 | $1,554 | $39 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chef Instructor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Cozymeal, Inc.
Virginia Beach, VA
Cozymeal, Inc. | Virginia Beach, VA
Culinary Instructors Wanted In Virginia Beach. Cozymeal invites experienced culinary professionals to become Culinary Instructors in Virginia Beach. Known ... more
7 Days Ago
Tiny Spoon Chef, Inc
BOSTON, MA
Tiny Spoon Chef, Inc | BOSTON, MA
Description: Currently offering a sign-on bonus of $1,000 after 90 days Are you a culinary professional looking for more work-life balance and career growt... more
4 Days Ago
Aramark
PIKEVILLE, KY
Aramark | PIKEVILLE, KY
As Chef Manager at ARAMARK’s Table 99, you will lead daily back- and front-of-house food operations, ensuring high-quality, safe, and cost-effective servic... more
5 Days Ago
Aramark
KANSAS CITY, MO
Aramark | KANSAS CITY, MO
As a Chef Manager at ARAMARK in Food & Beverage Operations, you will lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring safe, high-quality food and exceptional servic... more
5 Days Ago
Aramark
EASTLAWN, MS
Aramark | EASTLAWN, MS
As Chef Manager at ARAMARK for our Singing River account, you will oversee daily kitchen and dining operations, leading a culinary team to deliver safe, hi... more
6 Days Ago
Aramark
AUBURN, AL
Aramark | AUBURN, AL
As a Chef Manager at ARAMARK in Food & Beverage Operations, you will lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring safe, high-quality food and exceptional servic... more
6 Days Ago
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