Creative & Education San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Chef Salary in San Diego, California

The median chef salary in San Diego, CA is $80,258 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$80,258
vs State Avg
+$2,260
vs National
+$23,738
Cost of Living
142%

Chef Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level chef earns around $49,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,700
+$14,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,520
+$23,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,960
+$36,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $47,144
25th Percentile $59,924
Median (50th) $80,258
75th Percentile $106,500
90th Percentile $138,876

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
Sacramento, CA
$66,694
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Chef in San Diego

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in San Diego

Browse open chef positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in San Diego

How much does a Chef make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median chef salary in San Diego, California is $80,258 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $47,144 (10th percentile) to $138,876 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,258, a chef in San Diego earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for chef pay? ▼
San Diego's median chef salary of $80,258 is 2.9% above the California state average of $77,998. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $80,258 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in San Diego? ▼
Most chef positions in San Diego 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.