Chef Salary in Pocatello, Idaho
The median chef salary in Pocatello, ID is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 8.5% below the Idaho state average.
Chef Pay in Pocatello: What to Expect (2026)
Pocatello offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $4,522 below the Idaho state average of $53,129. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Pocatello pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Pocatello's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Pocatello an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Pocatello spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Pocatello is a smaller market (pop. 56,548), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Pocatello by Experience
In Pocatello, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Pocatello, ID
| Percentile | Pocatello |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,292 |
| Median (50th) | $48,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,108 |
Chef Salary in Other Idaho Cities
How to Become a Chef in Pocatello
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Pocatello and the surrounding Idaho area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Pocatello may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Pocatello
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