Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Southwest New York

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $62,740 +2.9% vs national
Median hourly $30.17
10th percentile $47,100
90th percentile $104,090
Employed locally 230
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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Southwest New York
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,100
    25th
    $53,250
    50th (median)
    $62,740
    75th
    $77,810
    90th
    $104,090

    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 Southwest New York

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers$33,470
    Waiters and Waitresses$45,030
    Bartenders$36,130
    Cooks, Restaurant$37,640
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$43,530
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$32,050

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make per hour in Southwest New York?

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in Southwest New York is $30.17, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.33 or more per hour.

    Is Southwest New York above or below average for Chefs and Head Cooks salaries?

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Southwest New York is 2.9% 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 Southwest New York?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $47,100 per year in Southwest New York. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $53,250.