Creative & Education New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Chef Salary in New Jersey

The median chef salary in New Jersey is $64,998 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$64,998
vs National
+$8,478
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Chef Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level chef earns around $40,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,250
+$5,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
+$13,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $38,180
25th Percentile $48,530
Median (50th) $64,998
75th Percentile $86,250
90th Percentile $112,470

Major Cities for Chefs in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for chefs in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Newark, NJ
Metro area for chef employment
Jersey City, NJ
Metro area for chef employment
Paterson, NJ
Metro area for chef employment
Elizabeth, NJ
Metro area for chef employment
Edison, NJ
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in New Jersey

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