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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Montana

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Montana?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$57,470
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.3% vs 2024
$61,580
Mean Salary
$57,470
Median Salary
$27.63
Hourly Rate
720 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana

Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in Montana

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Montana — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana.10thBottom 10% earn less than $38,200$38,20025th25% earn less than $48,890$48,890MedianHalf earn more than $57,470$57,47075th75% earn less than $72,020$72,02090thTop 10% earn more than $80,180$80,180

Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana earn a median salary of $57,470 per year ($4,789/month). This is 7.2% below the national average of $61,962. Montana ranks #39 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay. Approximately 720 people work in this occupation across Montana. 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana

Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana range from $38,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $80,180 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,890 and $72,020.

Median $57,470
P10: $38,200 P25: $48,890 P75: $72,020 P90: $80,180
10th
$38,200
25th
$48,890
Median
$57,470
75th
$72,020
90th
$80,180
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $38,200 $18.37 $3,183
25th Percentile $48,890 $23.50 $4,074
Median (50th) $57,470 $27.63 $4,789
75th Percentile $72,020 $34.62 $6,001
90th Percentile (Experienced) $80,180 $38.55 $6,681

Note: The mean (average) salary of $61,580 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#39
Montana ranks #39 of 51 states
$61,962
National avg. for Chefs and Head Cooks
-7.2%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Montana adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Chefs and Head Cooks take-home pay in Montana after taxes →

Explore Chefs and Head Cooks Data in Montana

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary by State

Compare Chefs and Head Cooks pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Montana?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana is $57,470 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $61,580.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana range from $38,200 at the 10th percentile to $80,180 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,890 and $72,020.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in Montana typically start around $38,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,890 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 720 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Montana is approximately $27.63 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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