As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Restaurant Chef in the United States is $38,492 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Restaurant Chef's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Restaurant Chef'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Restaurant Cheves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Restaurant Cheves enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Restaurant Chef with a No Diploma is between $39,422 and $41,396).
Restaurant Chef Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 30.8% |
| Associates | 42.3% |
| Bachelors | 19.2% |
| Masters | 3.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Restaurant Chef'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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Restaurant Chef can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $37,374 in 2023 to around $36,357 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Restaurant Chef salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $37,374 |
| 2024 | $36,949 |
| 2025 | $36,357 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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