Creative & Education Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Chef Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median chef salary in Columbia, MD is $66,694 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$66,694
vs State Avg
+$4,522
vs National
+$10,174
Cost of Living
118%

Chef Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level chef earns around $41,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
+$15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $39,176
25th Percentile $49,796
Median (50th) $66,694
75th Percentile $88,500
90th Percentile $115,404

Chef Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$68,954
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$64,998
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$61,042
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$59,346
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Chef in Columbia

Education

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