Creative & Education Bear, DE Pop. 21,000

Chef Salary in Bear, Delaware

The median chef salary in Bear, DE is $55,955 per year, which is 1% below the national median and 2% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$55,955
vs State Avg
$-1,130
vs National
$-565
Cost of Living
99%

Chef Pay in Bear: What to Expect (2026)

Bear offers a median chef salary of $55,955, which is $1,130 below the Delaware state average of $57,085. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Bear pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bear's cost of living is 99% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chefs in Bear spans from $32,868 at the 10th percentile to $96,822 at the 90th percentile — a $63,954 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,650, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,120. Bear is a smaller market (pop. 21,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Bear by Experience

In Bear, an entry-level chef earns around $34,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 99% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,650
$-350 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,440
$-560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,120
$-880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bear, DE

Percentile Bear
10th Percentile $32,868
25th Percentile $41,778
Median (50th) $55,955
75th Percentile $74,250
90th Percentile $96,822

Chef Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$59,346
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$57,650
Pop. 33,398
Middletown, DE
$55,390
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$54,259
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Chef in Bear

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Bear

Browse open chef positions in Bear, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Bear

How much does a Chef make in Bear, DE? ▼
The median chef salary in Bear, Delaware is $55,955 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $32,868 (10th percentile) to $96,822 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Bear? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,955, a chef in Bear earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bear compare to the Delaware state average for chef pay? ▼
Bear's median chef salary of $55,955 is 2% below the Delaware state average of $57,085. The local cost of living index is 99% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bear, DE? ▼
Bear has a cost of living index of 99% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $55,955 in Bear has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Bear? ▼
Most chef positions in Bear 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.