National Salary Overview
VS
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Median Salary
$31,083
Average (Mean)
$33,477
Employed Nationwide
82,520
Chefs and Head Cooks earns $25,881 more (83.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$56,965
$31,083
Average (Mean) Salary
$61,167
$33,477
Total Employment
172,350
82,520
States with Higher Pay
39
0
Salary by State: Chefs and Head Cooks vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chefs and Head Cooks pays more in 39 states; Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other pays more in 0.
| State | Chefs and Head Cooks | Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $60,250 | $28,970 | +$31,280 | ||
| Arizona | $64,560 | $36,130 | +$28,430 | ||
| Arkansas | $46,380 | $28,890 | +$17,490 | ||
| California | $60,930 | $35,360 | +$25,570 | ||
| Colorado | $63,470 | $35,250 | +$28,220 | ||
| Connecticut | $60,570 | $37,350 | +$23,220 | ||
| Florida | $56,910 | $29,940 | +$26,970 | ||
| Georgia | $52,230 | $26,430 | +$25,800 | ||
| Hawaii | $94,030 | $37,010 | +$57,020 | ||
| Illinois | $61,420 | $34,970 | +$26,450 | ||
| Indiana | $51,440 | $31,760 | +$19,680 | ||
| Iowa | $41,790 | $32,080 | +$9,710 | ||
| Kentucky | $36,770 | $26,410 | +$10,360 | ||
| Louisiana | $45,100 | $28,020 | +$17,080 | ||
| Maryland | $63,550 | $34,740 | +$28,810 | ||
| Michigan | $56,630 | $32,570 | +$24,060 | ||
| Minnesota | $57,440 | $43,560 | +$13,880 | ||
| Mississippi | $49,550 | $27,280 | +$22,270 | ||
| Missouri | $54,230 | $31,200 | +$23,030 | ||
| Montana | $48,890 | $24,960 | +$23,930 | ||
| Nebraska | $51,940 | $30,730 | +$21,210 | ||
| Nevada | $52,980 | $35,750 | +$17,230 | ||
| New Hampshire | $56,040 | $21,290 | +$34,750 | ||
| New Jersey | $65,000 | $32,840 | +$32,160 | ||
| New Mexico | $63,440 | $33,570 | +$29,870 | ||
| New York | $62,750 | $36,160 | +$26,590 | ||
| North Carolina | $57,940 | $27,280 | +$30,660 | ||
| Ohio | $47,980 | $25,820 | +$22,160 | ||
| Oregon | $56,900 | $31,200 | +$25,700 | ||
| South Carolina | $52,500 | $22,730 | +$29,770 | ||
| Tennessee | $55,650 | $29,120 | +$26,530 | ||
| Texas | $48,560 | $26,520 | +$22,040 | ||
| Utah | $49,450 | $30,440 | +$19,010 | ||
| Vermont | $61,240 | $30,330 | +$30,910 | ||
| Virginia | $49,660 | $27,520 | +$22,140 | ||
| Washington | $67,140 | $32,740 | +$34,400 | ||
| West Virginia | $55,180 | $30,990 | +$24,190 | ||
| Wisconsin | $59,160 | $29,960 | +$29,200 | ||
| Wyoming | $62,220 | $34,390 | +$27,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chefs and Head Cooks or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
On average across all states, a Chefs and Head Cooks earns more than a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other. The national median salary difference is $25,881 (83.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks vs Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
The national median salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks is $56,965 per year, compared to $31,083 for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chefs and Head Cooks or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
There are more people employed as Chefs and Head Cooks. BLS reports approximately 172,350 Chefs and Head Cooks positions and 82,520 Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chefs and Head Cooks or Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other?
Both Chefs and Head Cooks and Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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