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Salary 2026
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Chef salary in United States

Range, median and percentile breakdown by experience level — updated for 2026.

Mid-level reference · Mid

$70,500

Median salary

Range (p25 to p90)$58,000 – $102,500

By experience level

Percentile breakdown for every level.

Entry · 0–2 years

$45,500

Median

p25

$38,500

p75

$53,500

p90

$61,500

Mid · 3–5 years

$70,500

Median

p25

$58,000

p75

$86,000

p90

$102,500

Senior · 6–10 years

$100,000

Median

p25

$80,000

p75

$128,000

p90

$160,000

Lead · 10+ years

$141,000

Median

p25

$110,000

p75

$190,500

p90

$261,000

Salary range by level

Comparison of p25, median and p90 across experience levels.

Salary range by level

Entry$45,500
$38,500$61,500
Mid$70,500
$58,000$102,500
Senior$100,000
$80,000$160,000
Lead$141,000
$110,000$261,000

Same role across countries

Mid-level median for Chef converted to USD for comparison.

How to earn more as a Chef

Three concrete moves backed by hiring patterns.

Add high-leverage certifications

One or two in-demand certifications can move you a full bracket — especially in cloud, finance and healthcare.

Quantify impact on your CV

Recruiters anchor offers on numbers. Replace vague duties with measurable outcomes.

Target high-paying employers

Top brackets cluster around specific industries and cities. Aim your search there.

Related professions

Other roles in the same category.

Customer Service Representative
Salary data is based on publicly available market data and salary surveys from official statistics offices. Figures are estimates and may vary based on company, location, individual experience and current market conditions. · Last updated: 2026

Frequently asked questions

Figures use the convention dominant in United States. Use the period switcher for monthly or hourly views.

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