Creative & Education New Hampshire (NH) Rank #12 of 50

Chef Salary in New Hampshire

The median chef salary in New Hampshire is $59,346 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$59,346
vs National
+$2,826
State Rank
#12 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Chef Salary Overview in New Hampshire (2026)

New Hampshire ranks #12 out of 50 states for chef compensation. New Hampshire falls in the middle of the pack for chef pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $59,346 per year, chefs in New Hampshire earn $2,826 more than the national median of $56,520.

New Hampshire's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning chef salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in New Hampshire is significant: chefs at the 10th percentile earn $34,860, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $102,690 — a $67,830 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Hampshire for this role is Nashua, where the median reaches $62,172.

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 New Hampshire by Experience

In New Hampshire, an entry-level chef earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The cost of living index in New Hampshire is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Hampshire

Percentile NH Salary
10th Percentile $34,860
25th Percentile $44,310
Median (50th) $59,346
75th Percentile $78,750
90th Percentile $102,690

Chef Salary by City in New Hampshire

The largest employment areas for chefs in New Hampshire include Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Dover. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chef in New Hampshire

Education

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

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in New Hampshire

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in New Hampshire

How much does a Chef make in New Hampshire? ▼
The median chef salary in New Hampshire is $59,346 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $34,860 (10th percentile) to $102,690 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in New Hampshire? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,346, a chef in New Hampshire earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Hampshire a good state for chefs? ▼
New Hampshire ranks #12 out of 50 states for chef pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level chefs earn $36,750, while senior professionals earn $92,400.
How does New Hampshire compare to other states for chef salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chefs is Hawaii at $96,084. New Hampshire's median of $59,346 ranks #12 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($62,172) and Colorado ($59,346).
What is the entry-level chef salary in New Hampshire? ▼
An entry-level chef in New Hampshire earns approximately $36,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,400.
What city in New Hampshire pays chefs the most? ▼
Nashua is the highest paying city in New Hampshire for chefs, with a median salary of $62,172. Other cities include Manchester and Concord.