Creative & Education Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Chef Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median chef salary in Boston, MA is $85,910 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$85,910
vs State Avg
+$9,608
vs National
+$29,390
Cost of Living
152%

Chef Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median chef salary of $85,910, which is $9,608 above the Massachusetts state average of $76,302. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $85,910 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chefs in Boston spans from $50,464 at the 10th percentile to $148,656 at the 90th percentile — a $98,192 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,200, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,760. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chef Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level chef earns around $53,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,120
+$29,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,760
+$45,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $50,464
25th Percentile $64,144
Median (50th) $85,910
75th Percentile $114,000
90th Percentile $148,656

Chef Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$90,432
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$62,172
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$59,346
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$55,390
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Chef in Boston

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Boston

Browse open chef positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Boston

How much does a Chef make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median chef salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $85,910 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $50,464 (10th percentile) to $148,656 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,910, a chef in Boston earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for chef pay? ▼
Boston's median chef salary of $85,910 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $76,302. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $85,910 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Boston? ▼
Most chef positions in Boston 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.