Chefs and Head Cooks Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for chefs and head cooks in the United States was $30.03, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $18.22 |
| 25th | $23.29 |
| Median | $30.03 |
| 75th | $37.86 |
| 90th | $47.39 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chefs and head cooks make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $30.03; the mean hourly wage is $32.07.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for chefs and head cooks?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $18.22 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for chefs and head cooks?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $47.39 per hour.