Creative & Education Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Chef Salary in Mississippi

The median chef salary in Mississippi is $46,912 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$46,912
vs National
$-9,608
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Chef Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for chef compensation. Chef salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $46,912 per year, chefs in Mississippi earn $9,608 less than the national median of $56,520.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $46,912 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $56,520 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: chefs at the 10th percentile earn $27,556, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,174 — a $53,618 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $48,042.

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chefs across the country.

Chef Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level chef earns around $29,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,040 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,050
$-5,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,480
$-9,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,040
$-14,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $27,556
25th Percentile $35,026
Median (50th) $46,912
75th Percentile $62,250
90th Percentile $81,174

Chef Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for chefs in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chef in Mississippi

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Mississippi has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Mississippi

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Mississippi's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Chef make in Mississippi? ▼
The median chef salary in Mississippi is $46,912 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $27,556 (10th percentile) to $81,174 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,912, a chef in Mississippi earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for chefs? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for chef pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level chefs earn $29,050, while senior professionals earn $73,040.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for chef salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chefs is Hawaii at $96,084. Mississippi's median of $46,912 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($47,477) and West Virginia ($47,477).
What is the entry-level chef salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level chef in Mississippi earns approximately $29,050 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,040.
What city in Mississippi pays chefs the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for chefs, with a median salary of $48,042. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.