Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in East Kentucky

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

Median annual salary $50,520 -17.2% vs national
Median hourly $24.29
10th percentile $24,590
90th percentile $84,450
Employed locally 80
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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East Kentucky
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $24,590
    25th
    $31,590
    50th (median)
    $50,520
    75th
    $76,590
    90th
    $84,450

    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 East Kentucky

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $22,840
    Cooks, Fast Food $20,990
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $28,460
    Food Preparation Workers $21,780
    Waiters and Waitresses $18,830
    Cooks, Restaurant $28,370

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in East Kentucky is $24.29, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.60 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in East Kentucky is 17.2% 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 East Kentucky?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $24,590 per year in East Kentucky. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,590.