Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Central Kentucky

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $49,210 -19.3% vs national
Median hourly $23.66
10th percentile $23,950
90th percentile $93,240
Employed locally 80
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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Central Kentucky
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,950
    25th
    $28,860
    50th (median)
    $49,210
    75th
    $67,530
    90th
    $93,240

    Top-paying metros for Chefs and Head Cooks

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $87,410
    Morgantown, WV $87,280
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $85,370
    Terre Haute, IN $83,880
    East Arkansas nonmetropolitan area $81,720
    Hawaii $81,200

    Related occupations in Central Kentucky

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $22,580
    Cooks, Fast Food $22,520
    Waiters and Waitresses $21,840
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $30,270
    Food Preparation Workers $21,780
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $28,950

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in Central Kentucky?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Central Kentucky is $23.66, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.77 or more per hour.

    Is Central Kentucky above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Central Kentucky is 19.3% below the national median of $60,990. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Central Kentucky?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $23,950 per year in Central Kentucky. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $28,860.