Creative & Education Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Chef Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median chef salary in Lafayette, LA is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
$-1,695
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%

Chef Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $37,136
Median (50th) $49,738
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $86,064

Chef Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$55,390
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$51,998
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$48,607
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$48,042
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Chef in Lafayette

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open chef positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Chef make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median chef salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Lafayette earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for chef pay? ▼
Lafayette's median chef salary of $49,738 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $51,433. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Lafayette? ▼
Most chef positions in Lafayette 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.