Creative & Education Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Chef Salary in Rochester, New York

The median chef salary in Rochester, NY is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 26.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$50,868
vs State Avg
$-18,086
vs National
$-5,652
Cost of Living
90%

Chef Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level chef earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $37,980
Median (50th) $50,868
75th Percentile $67,500
90th Percentile $88,020

Chef Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Chef in Rochester

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Rochester 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 Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Rochester

Browse open chef positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Rochester

How much does a Chef make in Rochester, NY?
The median chef salary in Rochester, New York is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $88,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Rochester?
Based on the median annual salary of $50,868, a chef in Rochester earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for chef pay?
Rochester's median chef salary of $50,868 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $68,954. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY?
Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $50,868 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Rochester?
Most chef positions in Rochester 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.