Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in East Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $57,630 -5.5% vs national
Median hourly $27.71
10th percentile $43,360
90th percentile $82,760
Employed locally 150
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $43,360
    25th
    $47,320
    50th (median)
    $57,630
    75th
    $79,990
    90th
    $82,760

    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 Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,580
    Waiters and Waitresses $23,400
    Cooks, Restaurant $34,510
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,130
    Food Preparation Workers $26,750
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,900

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in East Tennessee is $27.71, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.84 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in East Tennessee is 5.5% 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 Tennessee?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $43,360 per year in East Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,320.