Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Central Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary $56,390 -7.5% vs national
Median hourly $27.11
10th percentile $30,150
90th percentile $79,620
Employed locally 210
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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South Central Wisconsin
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,150
    25th
    $43,510
    50th (median)
    $56,390
    75th
    $69,310
    90th
    $79,620

    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 Wisconsin

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,060
    Waiters and Waitresses $28,350
    Bartenders $21,770
    Cooks, Restaurant $36,170
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $38,570
    Food Preparation Workers $31,200

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Central Wisconsin is $27.11, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $43.28 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in South Central Wisconsin is 7.5% 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 Wisconsin?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $30,150 per year in South Central Wisconsin. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $43,510.