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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in South Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$71,860
Median Annual Salary
▲
+17.2% vs 2024
$70,780
Mean Salary
$71,860
Median Salary
$34.55
Hourly Rate
2,650 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in South Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina earn a median salary of $71,860 per year ($5,988/month).
This is 16.0% above the national average of $61,962.
South Carolina ranks #8 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 2,650 people work in this occupation across South Carolina.
Salaries increased by 17.2% 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 South Carolina
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina range from $47,640 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $88,880 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $60,120 and $79,050.
Median $71,860
P10: $47,640P25: $60,120P75: $79,050P90: $88,880
10th
$47,640
25th
$60,120
Median
$71,860
75th
$79,050
90th
$88,880
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$47,640
$22.90
$3,970
25th Percentile
$60,120
$28.90
$5,010
Median (50th)
$71,860
$34.55
$5,988
75th Percentile
$79,050
$38.00
$6,587
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$88,880
$42.73
$7,406
Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,780 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina is $71,860 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,780.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina range from $47,640 at the 10th percentile to $88,880 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $60,120 and $79,050.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in South Carolina typically start around $47,640 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $60,120 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,650 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Carolina is approximately $34.55 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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