Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Central Kentucky

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

Median annual salary $41,180 -32.5% vs national
Median hourly $19.80
10th percentile $23,950
90th percentile $82,510
Employed locally 100
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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South Central Kentucky
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,950
    25th
    $31,590
    50th (median)
    $41,180
    75th
    $64,170
    90th
    $82,510

    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 South Central Kentucky

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,950
    Cooks, Fast Food$22,230
    Waiters and Waitresses$21,400
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$28,990
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$28,270
    Food Preparation Workers$21,770

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Central Kentucky is $19.80, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $40.77 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in South Central Kentucky is 32.5% 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 South Central Kentucky?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $23,950 per year in South Central Kentucky. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,590.