Creative & Education Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Chef Salary in Sacramento, California

The median chef salary in Sacramento, CA is $66,694 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$66,694
vs State Avg
$-11,304
vs National
+$10,174
Cost of Living
118%

Chef Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median chef salary of $66,694, which is $11,304 below the California state average of $77,998. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $66,694 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chefs in Sacramento spans from $39,176 at the 10th percentile to $115,404 at the 90th percentile — a $76,228 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,300, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chef Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level chef earns around $41,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
+$15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $39,176
25th Percentile $49,796
Median (50th) $66,694
75th Percentile $88,500
90th Percentile $115,404

Chef Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$102,866
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$94,954
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$82,519
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$80,258
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Chef in Sacramento

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Sacramento and the surrounding California 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open chef positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Chef make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median chef salary in Sacramento, California is $66,694 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $39,176 (10th percentile) to $115,404 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,694, a chef in Sacramento earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for chef pay? ▼
Sacramento's median chef salary of $66,694 is 14.5% below the California state average of $77,998. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $66,694 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Sacramento? ▼
Most chef positions in Sacramento 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.