Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in West Tennessee

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

Median annual salary $58,170 -4.6% vs national
Median hourly $27.97
10th percentile $46,790
90th percentile $82,760
Employed locally 60
National median $60,990

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Chefs and Head Cooks
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $46,790
    25th
    $48,910
    50th (median)
    $58,170
    75th
    $73,180
    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 West Tennessee

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,340
    Waiters and Waitresses $21,840
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $34,990
    Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,740
    Food Preparation Workers $25,500
    Cooks, Restaurant $29,480

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in West Tennessee is $27.97, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.84 or more per hour.

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

    The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in West Tennessee is 4.6% 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 West Tennessee?

    Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks (10th percentile) earn around $46,790 per year in West Tennessee. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $48,910.