Creative & Education Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Chef Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median chef salary in Dover, DE is $54,259 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$54,259
vs State Avg
$-2,826
vs National
$-2,261
Cost of Living
96%

Chef Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median chef salary of $54,259, which is $2,826 below the Delaware state average of $57,085. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% 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 Dover spans from $31,872 at the 10th percentile to $93,888 at the 90th percentile — a $62,016 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,480. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level chef earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,760
$-2,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,480
$-3,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $31,872
25th Percentile $40,512
Median (50th) $54,259
75th Percentile $72,000
90th Percentile $93,888

Chef Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$59,346
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$57,650
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$55,955
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$55,390
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Chef in Dover

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Dover

Browse open chef positions in Dover, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Dover

How much does a Chef make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median chef salary in Dover, Delaware is $54,259 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $31,872 (10th percentile) to $93,888 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,259, a chef in Dover earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for chef pay? ▼
Dover's median chef salary of $54,259 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $57,085. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $54,259 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Dover? ▼
Most chef positions in Dover 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.