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Chef and Head Cook Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Chef and Head Cook make in Kentucky? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chef and Head Cook in Kentucky is $33,727 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.

However, a Chef and Head Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $38,759
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,351 to $36,361
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,188
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Chef and Head Cook Job Openings in Kentucky

Key Factors That Influence Chef and Head Cook Salaries

A Chef and Head Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Chef and Head Cook Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chef and Head Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $32,731
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $33,178
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $33,983
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $34,093
  • Expert (over 8 years): $34,276
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Chef and Head Cook less than 1 year $32,731
Early Career Level Chef and Head Cook 1-2 years $33,178
Mid-Level Level Chef and Head Cook 2-4 years $33,983
Senior-Level Level Chef and Head Cook 5-8 years $34,093
Expert Level Chef and Head Cook over 8 years $34,276

How Do Chef and Head Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chef and Head Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $39,684.
  • California: $39,533.
  • Massachusetts: $39,006.

Top Paying Cities for Chef and Head Cook

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Graham: $32,564
  • Greenville: $32,452
  • Hartford: $32,621

Chef and Head Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chef and Head Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Chef and Head Cook positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chef and Head Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chef and Head Cook

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $43,845 $21.0 30%
Hospitality & Leisure $35,413 $17.0 5%

Chef and Head Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chef and Head Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$31,351
Average $33,727/year
$36,361
$2,613
Average $2,811/month
$3,030
$603
Average $649/week
$699
$15
Average $16/hour
$17
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $36,361 $3,030 $699 $17
Average $33,727 $2,811 $649 $16
25th Percentile $31,351 $2,613 $603 $15

Find Your Next Chef and Head Cook Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chef and Head Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • GlobalGiving Foundation | REMOTE, OR

    Head of Data&Analytics

    GlobalGiving Foundation | REMOTE, OR

    Description. GlobalGiving is a nonprofit that connects donors with community-led organizations around the world. We have accumulated rich data across our d... more

    13 Days Ago

  • Paladin Inc | MICHIGAN CITY, IN

    Classroom Float

    Paladin Inc | MICHIGAN CITY, IN

    POSITION SUMMARY: Nurture curiosity through purposeful experiences to create a future full of lifelong learners. Help to meet the diverse needs of our fami... more

    21 Days Ago

  • Target Hospitality | WINTERS, TX

    Head Chef

    Target Hospitality | WINTERS, TX

    Target Hospitality is seeking a Head Chef to lead kitchen operations within our Food & Beverage Operations department, supporting remote workforce housing ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Aramark | DEWITT, NY

    Head Cook

    Aramark | DEWITT, NY

    As Head Cook at Aramark, you will lead daily kitchen operations in a fast-paced food service environment, preparing high-quality meals that reflect Aramark... more

    6 Days Ago

  • ARAMARK | ELIZABETH CITY, NC

    Head Sous Chef

    ARAMARK | ELIZABETH CITY, NC

    Aramark is seeking a distinguished Head Sous Chef to join our thriving food service team. This pivotal role contributes to our commitment to culinary excel... more

    6 Days Ago

  • ARAMARK | SELINSGROVE, PA

    Lead Cook Sous Chef

    ARAMARK | SELINSGROVE, PA

    ARAMARK seeks a Lead Cook/Sous Chef to supervise daily kitchen operations in a fast-paced accommodation and food services environment. You will oversee lin... more

    8 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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