Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Milwaukee, WI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Median annual salary $62,980 +3.3% vs national
Median hourly $30.28
10th percentile $43,670
90th percentile $91,860
Employed locally 640
National median $60,990

Compare Chefs and Head Cooks salary & buying power

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Chefs and Head Cooks
in
Milwaukee, WI
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $43,670
    25th
    $50,000
    50th (median)
    $62,980
    75th
    $78,540
    90th
    $91,860

    Milwaukee economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $76,404 2023 • Census ACS
    Chefs and Head Cooks salary vs area income 82% Median Chefs and Head Cooks salary is 18% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Milwaukee, WI is $30.28, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $42.49 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Milwaukee, WI is 3.3% 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 Milwaukee?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $43,670 per year in Milwaukee, WI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $50,000.