Creative & Education Manchester, NH Pop. 115,644

Chef Salary in Manchester, New Hampshire

The median chef salary in Manchester, NH is $59,911 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the New Hampshire state average.

City Median
$59,911
vs State Avg
+$565
vs National
+$3,391
Cost of Living
106%

Chef Pay in Manchester: What to Expect (2026)

Manchester offers a median chef salary of $59,911, which is $565 above the New Hampshire state average of $59,346. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Manchester pays above average for this role.

Manchester's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chefs in Manchester spans from $35,192 at the 10th percentile to $103,668 at the 90th percentile — a $68,476 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,280. With a population of 115,644, Manchester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Manchester by Experience

In Manchester, an entry-level chef earns around $37,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,360
+$3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,280
+$5,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Manchester, NH

Percentile Manchester
10th Percentile $35,192
25th Percentile $44,732
Median (50th) $59,911
75th Percentile $79,500
90th Percentile $103,668

Chef Salary in Other New Hampshire Cities

How to Become a Chef in Manchester

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Manchester

Browse open chef positions in Manchester, NH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Manchester

How much does a Chef make in Manchester, NH? ▼
The median chef salary in Manchester, New Hampshire is $59,911 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $35,192 (10th percentile) to $103,668 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Manchester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,911, a chef in Manchester earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Manchester compare to the New Hampshire state average for chef pay? ▼
Manchester's median chef salary of $59,911 is 1.0% above the New Hampshire state average of $59,346. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Manchester, NH? ▼
Manchester has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $59,911 in Manchester has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Manchester? ▼
Most chef positions in Manchester 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.