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- The average salary for a chef is $51,665 annually. A top-level 5-star chef who holds a degree earns over $100,000 annually.
- According to Indeed, the average amount a chef makes in the United States per year is $51,665 as of February 2023. The US national average for chef earnings is between $32,000 – $73,000 annually.
- Generally, chefs in high-end, fine-dining restaurants earn more than in casual restaurants. However, casual restaurants can have high-profit margins when managed well. Advancement opportunities within the restaurant group are key.
- The median salary of chefs ranges from $53,000 to $65,000. The highest median salaries are in Georgia, Hawaii and New Jersey.
- Chefs with less than one year of experience average $34,000 to $44,000 yearly. Experienced chefs in top hotels, resorts and aviation can make $70,000 to $90,000. Highly skilled chefs earn over $100,000 a year.
- The 75th percentile of chefs earn $75,109 annually, while the top 10% earn up to $93,683.
- Private chefs average $67,954 per year. The middle 50% make between $57,908 and $82,158.
