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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Kentucky
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Kentucky?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$48,070
Median Annual Salary
▲
+8.7% vs 2024
$55,770
Mean Salary
$48,070
Median Salary
$23.11
Hourly Rate
1,790 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in Kentucky
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky earn a median salary of $48,070 per year ($4,005/month).
This is 22.4% below the national average of $61,962.
Kentucky ranks #48 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 1,790 people work in this occupation across Kentucky.
Salaries increased by 8.7% 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)
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky range from $31,550 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $88,410 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $36,850 and $66,770.
Median $48,070
P10: $31,550P25: $36,850P75: $66,770P90: $88,410
10th
$31,550
25th
$36,850
Median
$48,070
75th
$66,770
90th
$88,410
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$31,550
$15.17
$2,629
25th Percentile
$36,850
$17.72
$3,070
Median (50th)
$48,070
$23.11
$4,005
75th Percentile
$66,770
$32.10
$5,564
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$88,410
$42.50
$7,367
Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,770 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky is $48,070 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,770.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky range from $31,550 at the 10th percentile to $88,410 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $36,850 and $66,770.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in Kentucky typically start around $31,550 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $36,850 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,790 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky is approximately $23.11 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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