Creative & Education Nampa, ID Pop. 100,200

Chef Salary in Nampa, Idaho

The median chef salary in Nampa, ID is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 4.3% below the Idaho state average.

City Median
$50,868
vs State Avg
$-2,261
vs National
$-5,652
Cost of Living
90%

Chef Pay in Nampa: What to Expect (2026)

Nampa offers a median chef salary of $50,868, which is $2,261 below the Idaho state average of $53,129. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Nampa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Nampa's cost of living is 90% 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 Nampa spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $88,020 at the 90th percentile — a $58,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 100,200, Nampa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Nampa by Experience

In Nampa, an entry-level chef earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nampa, ID

Percentile Nampa
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $37,980
Median (50th) $50,868
75th Percentile $67,500
90th Percentile $88,020

Chef Salary in Other Idaho Cities

How to Become a Chef in Nampa

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Nampa

Browse open chef positions in Nampa, ID:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Nampa

How much does a Chef make in Nampa, ID? ▼
The median chef salary in Nampa, Idaho is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $88,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Nampa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,868, a chef in Nampa earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nampa compare to the Idaho state average for chef pay? ▼
Nampa's median chef salary of $50,868 is 4.3% below the Idaho state average of $53,129. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nampa, ID? ▼
Nampa has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $50,868 in Nampa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Nampa? ▼
Most chef positions in Nampa 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.