Creative & Education Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Chef Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median chef salary in Buffalo, NY is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$51,998
vs State Avg
$-16,956
vs National
$-4,522
Cost of Living
92%

Chef Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level chef earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $38,824
Median (50th) $51,998
75th Percentile $69,000
90th Percentile $89,976

Chef Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Chef in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open chef positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Chef make in Buffalo, NY?
The median chef salary in Buffalo, New York is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $89,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Buffalo?
Based on the median annual salary of $51,998, a chef in Buffalo earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for chef pay?
Buffalo's median chef salary of $51,998 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $68,954. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $51,998 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Buffalo?
Most chef positions in Buffalo 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.