Creative & Education Lexington, KY
Pop. 322,570
Chef Salary in Lexington, Kentucky
The median chef salary in Lexington, KY is $52,564 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 6.9% above the Kentucky state average.
City Median
$52,564
vs State Avg
+$3,392
vs National
$-3,956
Cost of Living
93%
Chef Salary in Lexington by Experience
In Lexington, an entry-level chef earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,840 per year. The local cost of living index 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
Salary Percentiles in Lexington, KY
| Percentile | Lexington |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,876 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,246 |
| Median (50th) | $52,564 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,750 |
| 90th Percentile | $90,954 |
Chef Salary in Other Kentucky Cities
How to Become a Chef in Lexington
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Lexington may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Lexington
Browse open chef positions in Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Lexington
How much does a Chef make in Lexington, KY? ▼
The median chef salary in Lexington, Kentucky 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 Lexington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,564, a chef in Lexington earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for chef pay? ▼
Lexington's median chef salary of $52,564 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $49,172. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼
Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $52,564 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Lexington? ▼
Most chef positions in Lexington 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.