Salary of a Chef
Average Salary of a Chef in 2025
Are you thinking about becoming a chef? Or are you already working in the kitchen and want to know if your pay is fair?
This guide will show you exactly how much chefs make in 2025. We'll break down salaries by experience level, location, and restaurant type.
You'll also learn practical tips to boost your earning potential. We’ll provide the key numbers you need. We use data from Glassdoor, Salary.com, ZipRecruiter, and OysterLink.
What's the Average Salary of a Chef in the USA?
$58,920 per year (Average)
Chefs make varying amounts based on their workplaces and experience levels. Major job platforms like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and ZipRecruiter show similar numbers.
Glassdoor reports chefs earn $63,551 per year on average, while Salary.com shows $53,801 as of May 2025. OysterLink reports that the average chef's salary is $62,640 per year.
This year's average is about the same as 2024, with slight variations by location.
Chef's Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $58,920 per year, according to multiple industry sources. This number comes from thousands of salary reports across the United States.
Salary range: Regular chef positions usually offer salaries from $46,765 to $62,732. Entry-level positions start at $41,641 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $82,758 per year.
Salary by experience tier:
Junior (0-2 years): Entry-level chefs typically earn between $28,000 and $40,000 per year.
Mid-level (3-7 years): A mid-career Chef with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of $47,330.
Senior (8+ years): An experienced Chef with 10-20 years of experience makes, on average, $54,370.
75th percentile: Executive Chefs earn an average of $85,354 per year. These are usually head chefs with management responsibilities in high-end restaurants or hotels.
Analysis of over 8,600 salary reports from famous job board platforms shows these numbers are consistent.
Chef Salary Regional Comparison
Here's how chef salaries in different countries compare to the USA average.
The USA offers the best pay for chefs compared to other English-speaking countries. Washington pays the most for chef jobs, but Florida pays the least. The USA offers better value for culinary professionals when looking at living costs.
6 Tips to Grow as a Chef
Become an Executive Chef: Executive Chefs make about $85,354 a year. This is much more than what regular chefs earn. Develop leadership skills, plan menus, and manage restaurants to reach executive roles.
Get specialized culinary training: Entry-level Chef jobs pay about $24.63 an hour, but training can boost this rate. Focus on areas like pastry arts, wine pairing, or ethnic cuisines that are in high demand.
Work in high-end restaurants: Fine dining establishments typically pay more than casual dining. Professional chefs earn about $70,012 a year in specialized roles. This is different from general chef positions.
Move to higher-paying states: Washington is the highest-paying state for Chef jobs. Consider relocating to states with better culinary markets and higher wages. Urban areas generally offer better pay than rural locations.
Develop management skills: An entry-level Executive Chef with less than 1 year of experience can earn $59,031. Early-career Executive Chefs with 1-4 years make $62,585. Management positions command premium salaries in the culinary industry.
Get certified in food safety and management. ServSafe certification and culinary management credentials boost your value. These certifications are usually needed for head chef jobs. They can increase salaries by 10-15%.
FAQs About Chef Salary
What is the average salary of a Chef in 2025?
The average Chef salary ranges from $53,801 to $63,551 per year, with most sources putting it around $58,920 annually.
Is the Chef's salary before or after tax?
All salary numbers mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. You'll need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes, plus any deductions from these amounts.
How much do entry-level Chefs make?
Entry-level chefs usually earn $28,000 to $40,000 a year. Their pay depends on training and the type of restaurant. Entry-level Chef jobs pay an average of $24.63 per hour.
What factors affect a Chef's salary the most?
Experience level, location, restaurant type, and specialization have the biggest impact. Washington offers the highest pay for Chef jobs. In contrast, Florida has the lowest pay. Fine dining pays more than casual restaurants.
Do Chefs make more money in restaurants or hotels?
Hotels typically pay more than restaurants, especially for executive chef positions. Executive Chefs in hotels and large establishments earn an average of $85,354 per year.
How does experience affect Chef salaries?
Experience makes a huge difference. Entry-level chefs earn $43,270, mid-career chefs make $47,330, and experienced chefs earn $54,370. Executive positions can reach much higher.
Do Chefs get tips on top of their base salary?
Some chefs receive tips, especially in fine dining restaurants. This can change from one place to another and usually isn’t part of base salary numbers. Kitchen staff tip sharing is becoming more common.
What type of chef position pays the most?
Executive Chef positions pay the most at $85,354 per year. Specialty roles, such as pastry chefs and sous chefs in luxury restaurants, often earn high salaries. Private chefs also make good money.
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