Creative & Education Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

Chef Salary in Georgia

The median chef salary in Georgia is $52,564 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$52,564
vs National
$-3,956
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Chef Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for chef compensation. Chef salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,564 per year, chefs in Georgia earn $3,956 less than the national median of $56,520.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $52,564 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $56,520 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: chefs at the 10th percentile earn $30,876, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $90,954 — a $60,078 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $57,650.

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chefs across the country.

Chef Salary in Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level chef earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,840 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,080
$-3,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $52,564? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $30,876
25th Percentile $39,246
Median (50th) $52,564
75th Percentile $69,750
90th Percentile $90,954

Chef Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for chefs in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chef in Georgia

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Georgia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Georgia

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Georgia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 164,800 other Chefs.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Chef Roles in Georgia?

Get matched with recruiters hiring chefs in Georgia at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Georgia

How much does a Chef make in Georgia? ▼
The median chef salary in Georgia is $52,564 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $30,876 (10th percentile) to $90,954 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,564, a chef in Georgia earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for chefs? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for chef pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level chefs earn $32,550, while senior professionals earn $81,840.
How does Georgia compare to other states for chef salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chefs is Hawaii at $96,084. Georgia's median of $52,564 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($53,694) and Idaho ($53,129).
What is the entry-level chef salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level chef in Georgia earns approximately $32,550 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,840.
What city in Georgia pays chefs the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for chefs, with a median salary of $57,650. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.