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Chef and Head Cook Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Chef and Head Cook make in New Jersey? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chef and Head Cook in New Jersey is $38,848 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $44,645
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,112 to $41,882
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,620
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Chef and Head Cook Job Openings in New Jersey

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): $37,701
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $38,216
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $39,143
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $39,270
  • Expert (over 8 years): $39,481
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Chef and Head Cook less than 1 year $37,701
Early Career Level Chef and Head Cook 1-2 years $38,216
Mid-Level Level Chef and Head Cook 2-4 years $39,143
Senior-Level Level Chef and Head Cook 5-8 years $39,270
Expert Level Chef and Head Cook over 8 years $39,481

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:

  • Maywood: $40,703
  • Teterboro: $40,719
  • Alpine: $40,703

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 $50,503 $24.0 30%
Hospitality & Leisure $40,791 $20.0 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
$36,112
Average $38,848/year
$41,882
$3,009
Average $3,237/month
$3,490
$694
Average $747/week
$805
$17
Average $19/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $41,882 $3,490 $805 $20
Average $38,848 $3,237 $747 $19
25th Percentile $36,112 $3,009 $694 $17

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.

  • Troon Golf | Hillsborough, NJ

    Head Chef

    Troon Golf | Hillsborough, NJ

    Head Chef, Full TimeWe're hiring a Full Time Head Chef in Royce Brook Golf Club. At Troon, we believe our Associates are our greatest strength and competit... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Barbes Restaurant | Hoboken, NJ

    Head Chef

    Barbes Restaurant | Hoboken, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for a Kitchen Manager & Sous Chef to supervise daily back-of-house restaurant operations. Kitchen Manager ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • SALS BISTRO & BAR LLC | Carteret, NJ

    Kitchen Manager Head Chef

    SALS BISTRO & BAR LLC | Carteret, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. Join SALS BISTRO & BAR LLC as our Kitchen Manager/Head Chef, where you will lead a passionate culinary te... more

    7 Days Ago

  • CeeGees Bar and Grill | Jackson, NJ

    Cook Chef

    CeeGees Bar and Grill | Jackson, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. High volume bar and grill with relatively small kitchen. Looking for someone fast paced with good experience who can hand... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Allaire Health Services | Morristown, NJ

    COOK CHEF

    Allaire Health Services | Morristown, NJ

    Cook/Chef Opportunity At MorrisView Healthcare Center. MorrisView Healthcare Center is looking for a Cook/Chef to join our incredible team. We're not just ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Fallsview Rehabilitation & Nursing | Wanaque, NJ

    Cook Chef

    Fallsview Rehabilitation & Nursing | Wanaque, NJ

    Job Description. Job Description. Fallsview Rehab & Nursing. is looking for . Cook/Chef. to join our incredible team.  .  . We're not just a workplace. we'... 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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