Chef salary in United States (Updated 2026)
How much does a Chef make in the United States?
Average base salary
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The average salary for a chef is $20.72 per hour in the United States. 9.9k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated October 19, 2026).
Highest paying companies for Chef in United States
Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.Hiring a Chef?
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Where can a Chef earn more?
Compare salaries for Chefs in different locations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chef
The average salary for a Chef is $20.72 per hour in the United States. This figure is based on 9.9k salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months, last updated on October 19, 2026.
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Chef salaries typically range between a low of $12.37 and a high of $34.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the hiring company.
Some of the highest-paying cities for Chef include New York, NY at $31.80 per hour, Chicago, IL at $27.80 per hour, and Bridgewater, NJ at $27.27 per hour.
Based on recent job postings on Indeed, some of the top-paying companies for Chef include Wellness Clinic ($260,000 per year) and Elite Amenity Management ($234,000 per year).
Compensation can vary based on the specific niche and level of responsibility within the field. Here is how the average Chef salary compares to related positions: