Creative & Education Middletown, DE Pop. 22,350

Chef Salary in Middletown, Delaware

The median chef salary in Middletown, DE is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 3% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$55,390
vs State Avg
$-1,695
vs National
$-1,130
Cost of Living
98%

Chef Pay in Middletown: What to Expect (2026)

Middletown offers a median chef salary of $55,390, which is $1,695 below the Delaware state average of $57,085. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Middletown pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Middletown's cost of living is 98% 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 Middletown spans from $32,536 at the 10th percentile to $95,844 at the 90th percentile — a $63,308 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. Middletown is a smaller market (pop. 22,350), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Middletown by Experience

In Middletown, an entry-level chef earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,880
$-1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Middletown, DE

Percentile Middletown
10th Percentile $32,536
25th Percentile $41,356
Median (50th) $55,390
75th Percentile $73,500
90th Percentile $95,844

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
Dover, DE
$54,259
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Chef in Middletown

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Middletown

Browse open chef positions in Middletown, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Middletown

How much does a Chef make in Middletown, DE? ▼
The median chef salary in Middletown, Delaware is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $32,536 (10th percentile) to $95,844 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Middletown? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,390, a chef in Middletown earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Middletown compare to the Delaware state average for chef pay? ▼
Middletown's median chef salary of $55,390 is 3% below the Delaware state average of $57,085. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Middletown, DE? ▼
Middletown has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $55,390 in Middletown has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Middletown? ▼
Most chef positions in Middletown 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.