Creative & Education Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Chef Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median chef salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $45,216 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$45,216
vs State Avg
$-1,696
vs National
$-11,304
Cost of Living
80%

Chef Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median chef salary of $45,216, which is $1,696 below the Mississippi state average of $46,912. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $45,216 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Hattiesburg spans from $26,560 at the 10th percentile to $78,240 at the 90th percentile — a $51,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level chef earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $26,560
25th Percentile $33,760
Median (50th) $45,216
75th Percentile $60,000
90th Percentile $78,240

Chef Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$48,042
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$47,477
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$46,912
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$46,346
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Chef in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open chef positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Chef make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median chef salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $45,216 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $26,560 (10th percentile) to $78,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,216, a chef in Hattiesburg earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for chef pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median chef salary of $45,216 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $46,912. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $45,216 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most chef positions in Hattiesburg 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.