Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New York
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in New York?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$70,670
Median Annual Salary
▲
+9.9% vs 2024
$74,840
Mean Salary
$70,670
Median Salary
$33.98
Hourly Rate
17,430 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in New York
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in New York
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in New York earn a median salary of $70,670 per year ($5,889/month).
This is 14.1% above the national average of $61,962.
New York ranks #9 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 17,430 people work in this occupation across New York.
Salaries increased by 9.9% 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 York range from $46,260 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $120,370 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $55,070 and $93,240.
Median $70,670
P10: $46,260P25: $55,070P75: $93,240P90: $120,370
10th
$46,260
25th
$55,070
Median
$70,670
75th
$93,240
90th
$120,370
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$46,260
$22.24
$3,855
25th Percentile
$55,070
$26.48
$4,589
Median (50th)
$70,670
$33.98
$5,889
75th Percentile
$93,240
$44.83
$7,770
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$120,370
$57.87
$10,030
Note: The mean (average) salary of $74,840 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in New York?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in New York is $70,670 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $74,840.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New York?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in New York range from $46,260 at the 10th percentile to $120,370 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $55,070 and $93,240.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New York?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in New York typically start around $46,260 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $55,070 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in New York?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 17,430 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in New York.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New York?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New York is approximately $33.98 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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.