Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Central Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $48,910 -19.8% vs national
Median hourly $23.52
10th percentile $29,360
90th percentile $82,760
Employed locally 90
National median $60,990

Compare Chefs and Head Cooks salary & buying power

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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South Central Tennessee
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,360
    25th
    $39,920
    50th (median)
    $48,910
    75th
    $56,470
    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 South Central Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,620
    Waiters and Waitresses $22,360
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,240
    Cooks, Restaurant $29,120
    Food Preparation Workers $25,770
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,080

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Central Tennessee is $23.52, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.84 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in South Central Tennessee is 19.8% 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 Tennessee?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $29,360 per year in South Central Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,920.