Creative & Education Idaho Falls, ID Pop. 64,609

Chef Salary in Idaho Falls, Idaho

The median chef salary in Idaho Falls, ID is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 6.4% below the Idaho state average.

City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
$-3,391
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%

Chef Pay in Idaho Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Idaho Falls offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $3,391 below the Idaho state average of $53,129. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Idaho Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Idaho Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Idaho Falls an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Idaho Falls spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. Idaho Falls is a smaller market (pop. 64,609), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Idaho Falls by Experience

In Idaho Falls, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Idaho Falls, ID

Percentile Idaho Falls
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $37,136
Median (50th) $49,738
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $86,064

Chef Salary in Other Idaho Cities

Boise, ID
$56,520
Pop. 235,684
Meridian, ID
$55,390
Pop. 117,635
Nampa, ID
$50,868
Pop. 100,200
Pocatello, ID
$48,607
Pop. 56,548

How to Become a Chef in Idaho Falls

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Idaho Falls

Browse open chef positions in Idaho Falls, ID:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Idaho Falls

How much does a Chef make in Idaho Falls, ID? ▼
The median chef salary in Idaho Falls, Idaho is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Idaho Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Idaho Falls earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Idaho Falls compare to the Idaho state average for chef pay? ▼
Idaho Falls's median chef salary of $49,738 is 6.4% below the Idaho state average of $53,129. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Idaho Falls, ID? ▼
Idaho Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Idaho Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Idaho Falls? ▼
Most chef positions in Idaho Falls 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.