Creative & Education Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

Chef Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median chef salary in Cambridge, MA is $90,432 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$90,432
vs State Avg
+$14,130
vs National
+$33,912
Cost of Living
160%

Chef Pay in Cambridge: What to Expect (2026)

Cambridge offers a median chef salary of $90,432, which is $14,130 above the Massachusetts state average of $76,302. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,432 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chefs in Cambridge spans from $53,120 at the 10th percentile to $156,480 at the 90th percentile — a $103,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,000, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level chef earns around $56,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
+$21,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,600
+$33,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
+$52,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $53,120
25th Percentile $67,520
Median (50th) $90,432
75th Percentile $120,000
90th Percentile $156,480

Chef Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$85,910
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open chef positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Cambridge

How much does a Chef make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median chef salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $90,432 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $53,120 (10th percentile) to $156,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,432, a chef in Cambridge earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for chef pay? ▼
Cambridge's median chef salary of $90,432 is 18.5% above the Massachusetts state average of $76,302. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $90,432 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Cambridge? ▼
Most chef positions in Cambridge 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.