Chef / Head Cook Salary Breakdown — Gross vs. Take-Home
National median: $62,090/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $51,928/year take-home — 16.4% effective rate.
Chef / Head Cook Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $34,000 | $29,358 | $2,446 | 13.7% |
| 25th Percentile | $44,000 | $37,393 | $3,116 | 15.0% |
| MedianBLS Median | $62,090 | $51,928 | $4,327 | 16.4% |
| 75th Percentile | $90,000 | $71,701 | $5,975 | 20.3% |
| 90th Percentile | $130,000 | $99,608 | $8,301 | 23.4% |
| Senior Level | $110,000 | $85,771 | $7,148 | 22.0% |
Chef / Head Cook Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $81,804 | $61,768 | $5,147 | 24.5% |
| California | $76,215 | $57,687 | $4,807 | 24.3% |
| Hawaii | $82,735 | $60,511 | $5,043 | 26.9% |
| Connecticut | $72,956 | $56,448 | $4,704 | 22.6% |
| Illinois | $67,833 | $52,749 | $4,396 | 22.2% |
About This Career
Chefs and head cooks oversee kitchen operations, develop menus, and manage culinary teams in restaurants, hotels, and catering operations. Executive chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants and private household chefs for high-net-worth individuals earn significantly above the BLS median.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chef / Head Cook salary in the US?+
The national median Chef / Head Cook salary is $62,090 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,000 and $90,000, while the top 10% earn over $130,000.
How much does a Chef / Head Cook take home after taxes?+
A Chef / Head Cook earning the median $62,090 takes home approximately $51,928 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Chef / Head Cooks earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Chef / Head Cooks are New York, California, Hawaii. Top cities include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, where salaries can exceed $90,000 for experienced professionals.