Creative & Education Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Chef Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median chef salary in Silver Spring, MD is $68,954 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$68,954
vs State Avg
+$6,782
vs National
+$12,434
Cost of Living
122%

Chef Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median chef salary of $68,954, which is $6,782 above the Maryland state average of $62,172. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $68,954 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chefs in Silver Spring spans from $40,504 at the 10th percentile to $119,316 at the 90th percentile — a $78,812 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $107,360. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level chef earns around $42,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $107,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,700
+$7,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,320
+$12,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$107,360
+$19,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $40,504
25th Percentile $51,484
Median (50th) $68,954
75th Percentile $91,500
90th Percentile $119,316

Chef Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$66,694
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open chef positions in Silver Spring, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Chef make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median chef salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $68,954 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $40,504 (10th percentile) to $119,316 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,954, a chef in Silver Spring earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for chef pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median chef salary of $68,954 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $62,172. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $68,954 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Silver Spring? ▼
Most chef positions in Silver Spring 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.