Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in North Central Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $62,520 +2.5% vs national
Median hourly $30.06
10th percentile $35,390
90th percentile $97,430
Employed locally 110
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
in
North Central Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,390
    25th
    $45,610
    50th (median)
    $62,520
    75th
    $74,800
    90th
    $97,430

    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 North Central Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,710
    Waiters and Waitresses $22,370
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $35,420
    Cooks, Restaurant $29,290
    Food Preparation Workers $26,750
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $31,700

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in North Central Tennessee is $30.06, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.84 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in North Central Tennessee is 2.5% 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 North Central Tennessee?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $35,390 per year in North Central Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,610.