Creative & Education New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Chef Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median chef salary in New Orleans, LA is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$55,390
vs State Avg
+$3,957
vs National
$-1,130
Cost of Living
98%

Chef Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level chef earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,880
$-1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $32,536
25th Percentile $41,356
Median (50th) $55,390
75th Percentile $73,500
90th Percentile $95,844

Chef Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$51,998
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$49,738
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$48,607
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$48,042
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Chef in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open chef positions in New Orleans, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Chef make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median chef salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $32,536 (10th percentile) to $95,844 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,390, a chef in New Orleans earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for chef pay? ▼
New Orleans's median chef salary of $55,390 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $51,433. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $55,390 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in New Orleans? ▼
Most chef positions in New Orleans 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.