How much does an Executive Development Chef make in the United States?
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The average Executive Development Chef salary in the United States is $93,919 as of January 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Executive Development Chef positions (listed below) typically falls between $77,273 and $110,564. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Executive Development Chef's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Chef | $66,396 | $31.92 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Executive Chef | $104,797 | $50.38 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Sous Chef | $56,566 | $27.20 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Pastry Chef | $71,163 | $34.21 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Assistant Chef | $56,600 | $27.21 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Chef Boulanger | $71,200 | $34.23 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Development Chef | $82,600 | $39.71 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Kitchen Manager/Chef | $56,570 | $27.20 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Pastry Sous Chef | $39,170 | $18.83 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Head Pastry Chef | $71,170 | $34.22 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
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Chef oversees kitchen operations, including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control, and sanitation. Creates and updates menus that will appeal to customers. Being a Chef develops and tests new recipes. Monitors meal quality and guest satisfaction. Additionally, Chef may require an associate degree. Formal training at an accredited culinary institute is required or equivalent experience. Typically reports to an executive chef. The Chef supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Chef typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes. View Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Banquet Chef
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Executive Chef directs and oversees kitchen operations, including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control and sanitation. Creates and updates menus that will appeal to customers, utilize seasonal ingredients, and maximize profits. Being an Executive Chef develops and tests new recipes. Solicits and studies customer feedback to maintain high standards of quality and satisfaction. Additionally, Executive Chef troubleshoots and resolves operational issues. Complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to top management. The Executive Chef typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be an Executive Chef typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View Executive Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Head Chef, Kitchen Director/Chef
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Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in the daily kitchen operations including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control, and sanitation. Oversees the activities of the kitchen staff and monitors food production and presentation. Being a Sous Chef resolves operational issues. Performs quality checks on ingredients and prepared dishes. Additionally, Sous Chef complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. May require an associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to an executive chef. Working team member that may validate or coordinate the work of others on a support team. Suggests improvements to process, is a knowledge resource for other team members. Has no authority for staff actions. Generally has a minimum of 2 years experience as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of the team processes. View Sous Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Assistant Chef, Kitchen Manager/Chef
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Pastry Chef leads the production and presentation of pastries and baked goods including sourcing, purchasing, inventory, and cost control. Develops and tests recipes and sources ingredients to create unique pastries and baked goods. Being a Pastry Chef creates dessert menus that complement meal offerings, appeal to diners and maximize profits. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Additionally, Pastry Chef maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. May require an associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to an executive chef. The Pastry Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. To be a Pastry Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. View Pastry Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Chef Boulanger, Head Pastry Chef, Pastry and Baking Manager, Senior Baker/Pastry Chef
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The Assistant Chef oversees the activities of the kitchen staff and monitors food production and presentation in the absence of the Executive Chef. Assists the Executive Chef in the daily operations of the kitchen, including menu development, inventory and purchasing of supplies, and cost control. Being an Assistant Chef coordinates and participates in the activities of hiring, training, and managing personnel in the kitchen. Requires an understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation regulations. In addition, Assistant Chef may serve as an expeditor when needed. May require a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to an Executive Chef. The Assistant Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. Working as an Assistant Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. View Assistant Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager/Chef
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The Chef Boulanger tests and develops recipes. Directs and oversees the pastry and baking functions of the kitchen(s), including menu development, inventory and purchasing of supplies, and cost control. Being a Chef Boulanger may be responsible for the creation of dessert menus to maximize profits and minimize loss. Monitors customer satisfaction. In addition, Chef Boulanger requires an understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to an Executive Chef. The Chef Boulanger manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Chef Boulanger typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Chef Boulanger SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Head Pastry Chef, Pastry and Baking Manager, Senior Baker/Pastry Chef
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The Development Chef utilizes culinary expertise, consumer feedback, and industry trends to create or modify food products. Develops and refines food product formulations to meet consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and business objectives. Being a Development Chef collaborates with cross-functional teams to transition product concepts from ideation to commercial production. Coordinates double blind studies, sensory evaluations, and product trials to evaluate formulations, gather feedback, and refine ingredients. In addition, Development Chef documents ingredients, formulations, and processes involved with product development or improvements, ensuring compliance with internal protocols and regulatory requirements. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Being a Development Chef occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Working as a Development Chef typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Development Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Food Product Developer, Recipe Developer
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The Kitchen Manager/Chef oversees the activities of the kitchen staff and monitors food production and presentation in the absence of the Executive Chef. Assists the Executive Chef in the daily operations of the kitchen, including menu development, inventory and purchasing of supplies, and cost control. Being a Kitchen Manager/Chef coordinates and participates in the activities of hiring, training, and managing personnel in the kitchen. Requires an understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation regulations. In addition, Kitchen Manager/Chef may serve as an expeditor when needed. May require a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to an Executive Chef. The Kitchen Manager/Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. Working as a Kitchen Manager/Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. View Kitchen Manager/Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Sous Chef, Assistant Chef
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The Pastry Sous Chef is responsible for the production and presentation of pastries and other baked goods. Assists the Executive Pastry Chef in the daily activities of the kitchen, including menu development, inventory and purchasing of supplies, and cost control. Being a Pastry Sous Chef requires 4-6 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Oversees the activities of the pastry staff in the absence of the Executive Pastry Chef. In addition, Pastry Sous Chef requires an understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation regulations. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to an Executive Pastry Chef. The Pastry Sous Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Working as a Pastry Sous Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. View Pastry Sous Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Assistant Pastry Chef, Pastry and Baking Assistant Chef, Sous Baker/Pastry Chef
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The Head Pastry Chef tests and develops recipes. Directs and oversees the pastry and baking functions of the kitchen(s), including menu development, inventory and purchasing of supplies, and cost control. Being a Head Pastry Chef may be responsible for the creation of dessert menus to maximize profits and minimize loss. Monitors customer satisfaction. In addition, Head Pastry Chef requires an understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to an Executive Chef. The Head Pastry Chef manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Head Pastry Chef typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Head Pastry Chef SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Chef Boulanger, Pastry and Baking Manager, Senior Baker/Pastry Chef