Creative & Education Tucson, AZ
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Chef Salary in Tucson, Arizona
The median chef salary in Tucson, AZ is $52,564 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.
City Median
$52,564
vs State Avg
$-2,260
vs National
$-3,956
Cost of Living
93%
Chef Salary in Tucson by Experience
In Tucson, an entry-level chef earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,080
$-3,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ
| Percentile | Tucson |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,876 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,246 |
| Median (50th) | $52,564 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $90,954 |
Chef Salary in Other Arizona Cities
How to Become a Chef in Tucson
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Tucson
Browse open chef positions in Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Tucson
How much does a Chef make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median chef salary in Tucson, Arizona is $52,564 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $30,876 (10th percentile) to $90,954 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,564, a chef in Tucson earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for chef pay? ▼
Tucson's median chef salary of $52,564 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $54,824. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $52,564 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Tucson? ▼
Most chef positions in Tucson 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.