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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New Jersey
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in New Jersey?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$74,280
Median Annual Salary
▲
+6.6% vs 2024
$72,930
Mean Salary
$74,280
Median Salary
$35.71
Hourly Rate
9,100 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in New Jersey
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey earn a median salary of $74,280 per year ($6,190/month).
This is 19.9% above the national average of $61,962.
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 9,100 people work in this occupation across New Jersey.
Salaries increased by 6.6% 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 New Jersey range from $49,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $100,100 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $59,860 and $82,200.
Median $74,280
P10: $49,200P25: $59,860P75: $82,200P90: $100,100
10th
$49,200
25th
$59,860
Median
$74,280
75th
$82,200
90th
$100,100
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$49,200
$23.65
$4,100
25th Percentile
$59,860
$28.78
$4,988
Median (50th)
$74,280
$35.71
$6,190
75th Percentile
$82,200
$39.52
$6,850
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$100,100
$48.12
$8,341
Note: The mean (average) salary of $72,930 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey is $74,280 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $72,930.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey range from $49,200 at the 10th percentile to $100,100 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $59,860 and $82,200.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in New Jersey typically start around $49,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $59,860 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 9,100 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey is approximately $35.71 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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