Chef Salary in Albany, New York
The median chef salary in Albany, NY is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 19.7% below the New York state average.
Chef Pay in Albany: What to Expect (2026)
Albany offers a median chef salary of $55,390, which is $13,564 below the New York state average of $68,954. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Albany pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Albany's cost of living is 98% 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 Albany spans from $32,536 at the 10th percentile to $95,844 at the 90th percentile — a $63,308 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. Albany is a smaller market (pop. 99,224), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Albany by Experience
In Albany, an entry-level chef earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Albany, NY
| Percentile | Albany |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,536 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,356 |
| Median (50th) | $55,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $95,844 |
Chef Salary in Other New York Cities
How to Become a Chef in Albany
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Albany and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albany may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Albany
Browse open chef positions in Albany, NY: