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 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.