Creative & Education Southaven, MS Pop. 55,026

Chef Salary in Southaven, Mississippi

The median chef salary in Southaven, MS is $47,477 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 1.2% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$47,477
vs State Avg
+$565
vs National
$-9,043
Cost of Living
84%

Chef Pay in Southaven: What to Expect (2026)

Southaven offers a median chef salary of $47,477, which is $565 above the Mississippi state average of $46,912. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $47,477 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Southaven spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $82,152 at the 90th percentile — a $54,264 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level chef earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Southaven, MS

Percentile Southaven
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $35,448
Median (50th) $47,477
75th Percentile $63,000
90th Percentile $82,152

Chef Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$48,042
Pop. 153,701
Biloxi, MS
$46,912
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$46,346
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$45,216
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Chef in Southaven

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Southaven

Browse open chef positions in Southaven, MS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Southaven

How much does a Chef make in Southaven, MS? ▼
The median chef salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $47,477 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $82,152 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Southaven? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,477, a chef in Southaven earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for chef pay? ▼
Southaven's median chef salary of $47,477 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $46,912. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼
Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $47,477 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Southaven? ▼
Most chef positions in Southaven 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.