Creative & Education Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

Chef Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median chef salary in Louisville, KY is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$51,998
vs State Avg
+$2,826
vs National
$-4,522
Cost of Living
92%

Chef Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level chef earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $38,824
Median (50th) $51,998
75th Percentile $69,000
90th Percentile $89,976

Chef Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Chef in Louisville

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Louisville

Browse open chef positions in Louisville, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Louisville

How much does a Chef make in Louisville, KY?
The median chef salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $89,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Louisville?
Based on the median annual salary of $51,998, a chef in Louisville earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for chef pay?
Louisville's median chef salary of $51,998 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $49,172. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY?
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $51,998 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Louisville?
Most chef positions in Louisville 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.