Creative & Education Newark, DE Pop. 33,398

Chef Salary in Newark, Delaware

The median chef salary in Newark, DE is $57,650 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$57,650
vs State Avg
+$565
vs National
+$1,130
Cost of Living
102%

Chef Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median chef salary of $57,650, which is $565 above the Delaware state average of $57,085. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Newark pays above average for this role.

Newark's cost of living is 102% 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 Newark spans from $33,864 at the 10th percentile to $99,756 at the 90th percentile — a $65,892 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,760. Newark is a smaller market (pop. 33,398), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level chef earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,760
+$1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, DE

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $33,864
25th Percentile $43,044
Median (50th) $57,650
75th Percentile $76,500
90th Percentile $99,756

Chef Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$59,346
Pop. 70,898
Bear, DE
$55,955
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$55,390
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$54,259
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Chef in Newark

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Newark

Browse open chef positions in Newark, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Newark

How much does a Chef make in Newark, DE? ▼
The median chef salary in Newark, Delaware is $57,650 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $33,864 (10th percentile) to $99,756 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,650, a chef in Newark earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the Delaware state average for chef pay? ▼
Newark's median chef salary of $57,650 is 1.0% above the Delaware state average of $57,085. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, DE? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $57,650 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Newark? ▼
Most chef positions in Newark 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.