Creative & Education Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Chef Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median chef salary in Grand Island, NE is $47,477 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$47,477
vs State Avg
$-3,391
vs National
$-9,043
Cost of Living
84%

Chef Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median chef salary of $47,477, which is $3,391 below the Nebraska state average of $50,868. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island'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 Grand Island an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Grand Island 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. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, 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 Grand Island, NE

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

Chef Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$52,564
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$51,998
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$50,868
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$48,607
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Chef in Grand Island

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open chef positions in Grand Island, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Chef make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median chef salary in Grand Island, Nebraska 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 Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,477, a chef in Grand Island earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for chef pay? ▼
Grand Island's median chef salary of $47,477 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $50,868. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $47,477 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Grand Island? ▼
Most chef positions in Grand Island 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.