Chef Salary in Covington, Kentucky
The median chef salary in Covington, KY is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.2% above the Kentucky state average.
Chef Pay in Covington: What to Expect (2026)
Covington offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $566 above the Kentucky state average of $49,172. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Covington pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Covington'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 Covington an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Covington 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. Covington is a smaller market (pop. 40,961), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Covington by Experience
In Covington, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Covington, KY
| Percentile | Covington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,136 |
| Median (50th) | $49,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,064 |
Chef Salary in Other Kentucky Cities
How to Become a Chef in Covington
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Covington and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Covington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Covington
Browse open chef positions in Covington, KY: