Creative & Education Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Chef Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median chef salary in Charlotte, NC is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$55,390
vs State Avg
+$3,392
vs National
$-1,130
Cost of Living
98%

Chef Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,300
$-700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,880
$-1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $32,536
25th Percentile $41,356
Median (50th) $55,390
75th Percentile $73,500
90th Percentile $95,844

Chef Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$55,390
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$53,694
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$49,738
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$48,607
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Chef in Charlotte

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open chef positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Chef make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median chef salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $32,536 (10th percentile) to $95,844 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,390, a chef in Charlotte earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for chef pay? ▼
Charlotte's median chef salary of $55,390 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $51,998. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $55,390 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Charlotte? ▼
Most chef positions in Charlotte 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.