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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$76,420
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.3% vs 2024
$79,660
Mean Salary
$76,420
Median Salary
$36.74
Hourly Rate
2,020 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $76,420 per year ($6,368/month).
This is 23.3% above the national average of $61,962.
District of Columbia ranks #3 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 2,020 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia.
Salaries increased by 3.3% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Chefs and Head Cooks
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Top Skills
Coordination
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Time Management
3.88
Active Listening
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
4.69
Customer and Personal Service
4.14
Production and Processing
4.04
Administration and Management
4.03
Personnel and Human Resources
3.96
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(51.7% of workers)
Salary Range: Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia range from $56,570 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $104,660 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $63,550 and $81,360.
Median $76,420
P10: $56,570P25: $63,550P75: $81,360P90: $104,660
10th
$56,570
25th
$63,550
Median
$76,420
75th
$81,360
90th
$104,660
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$56,570
$27.20
$4,714
25th Percentile
$63,550
$30.55
$5,295
Median (50th)
$76,420
$36.74
$6,368
75th Percentile
$81,360
$39.12
$6,780
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$104,660
$50.32
$8,721
Note: The mean (average) salary of $79,660 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia is $76,420 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $79,660.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia range from $56,570 at the 10th percentile to $104,660 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $63,550 and $81,360.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in District of Columbia typically start around $56,570 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $63,550 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,020 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia is approximately $36.74 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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