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 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
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:
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.