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Chef and Head Cook Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Chef and Head Cook make in Tennessee? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chef and Head Cook in Tennessee is $33,494 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): $38,491
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,134 to $36,110
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $28,986
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Chef and Head Cook Job Openings in Tennessee

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): $32,505
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $32,949
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $33,748
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $33,857
  • Expert (over 8 years): $34,039
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Chef and Head Cook less than 1 year $32,505
Early Career Level Chef and Head Cook 1-2 years $32,949
Mid-Level Level Chef and Head Cook 2-4 years $33,748
Senior-Level Level Chef and Head Cook 5-8 years $33,857
Expert Level Chef and Head Cook over 8 years $34,039

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:

  • Cornersville: $32,920
  • Lexington: $32,287
  • Iron City: $31,161

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 $43,542 $21.0 30%
Hospitality & Leisure $35,168 $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
$31,134
Average $33,494/year
$36,110
$2,595
Average $2,791/month
$3,009
$599
Average $644/week
$694
$15
Average $16/hour
$17
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $36,110 $3,009 $694 $17
Average $33,494 $2,791 $644 $16
25th Percentile $31,134 $2,595 $599 $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.

  • New Day Executive Search | Nashville, TN

    Head Chef Michelin

    New Day Executive Search | Nashville, TN

    Head Chef Position. We are seeking a Head Chef with a proven history of kitchen leadership in a Michelin restaurant. The ideal candidate will have a strong... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Admiral Pub | Farragut, TN

    Head Cook

    Admiral Pub | Farragut, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a Head Cook to join our team. Responsibilities. Oversee day-to-day culinary operations. Coordinate food an... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Island Home Park Health and Rehab | Knoxville, TN

    Head Cook

    Island Home Park Health and Rehab | Knoxville, TN

    Dietary Department Manager. Our recruitment goal is to hire long-term care team members who focus on quality care and excellent employee relations. It requ... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Hillcrest Healthcare | Knoxville, TN

    Head Cook

    Hillcrest Healthcare | Knoxville, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. Our recruitment goal is to hire long-term care team members who focus on quality care and excellent employee relations. I... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Memphis Chess Club | Memphis, TN

    Cook Chef

    Memphis Chess Club | Memphis, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a full time eveing Cook to join our dedicated kitchen staff. You will assist in the preparation, cooking, ... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Hamister Group, LLC | Cordova, TN

    Cook Chef

    Hamister Group, LLC | Cordova, TN

    Cook Position at Shelby Gardens Senior Living. Bacon, eggs and more oh my. Shelby Gardens Senior Living in Cordova is hiring for a Cook and we are hungry f... more

    3 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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