Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Madison, WI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Madison, WI

Median annual salary $61,190 +0.3% vs national
Median hourly $29.42
10th percentile $39,500
90th percentile $84,990
Employed locally 360
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
in
Madison, WI
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,500
    25th
    $50,140
    50th (median)
    $61,190
    75th
    $79,120
    90th
    $84,990

    Madison economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,827 2023 • Census ACS
    Chefs and Head Cooks salary vs area income 70% Median Chefs and Head Cooks salary is 30% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Madison, WI is $29.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $42.10 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Madison, WI is 0.3% above 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 Madison?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $39,500 per year in Madison, WI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,140.