▼26%
$18.83
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$13.34
MEDIAN
$18.83
90%
$25.51
The average hourly pay for a Head Chef is $18.83 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$13 - $26
Bonus
$487 - $10k
Profit Sharing
$0 - $10k
Commission
$0 - $7k
Total Pay
$31k - $75k
Is Average Experienced Head Chef with Menu Planning Skills Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Head Chefs?
What Do Head Chefs Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Head Chef
Medical
41%
Dental
28%
Vision
28%
None
59%
Gender Breakdown for Head Chefs
Male
82.0%
Female
18.0%
This data is based on 61 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Head Chefs
What is the highest pay for Head Chefs?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Head Chef is $25.51 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Head Chefs?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Head Chef is $13.34 / hour
How can Head Chefs increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Head Chef is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Head Chef that oversees more junior Head Chefs, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.