Creative & Education Birmingham, AL
Pop. 197,575
Chef Salary in Birmingham, Alabama
The median chef salary in Birmingham, AL is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.
City Median
$50,868
vs State Avg
+$1,696
vs National
$-5,652
Cost of Living
90%
Chef Salary in Birmingham by Experience
In Birmingham, an entry-level chef earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL
| Percentile | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,980 |
| Median (50th) | $50,868 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,020 |
Chef Salary in Other Alabama Cities
How to Become a Chef in Birmingham
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Birmingham
Browse open chef positions in Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Birmingham
How much does a Chef make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median chef salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $88,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,868, a chef in Birmingham earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for chef pay? ▼
Birmingham's median chef salary of $50,868 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $49,172. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $50,868 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Birmingham? ▼
Most chef positions in Birmingham require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.