Creative & Education Durham, NC
Pop. 283,506
Chef Salary in Durham, North Carolina
The median chef salary in Durham, NC is $53,694 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.
City Median
$53,694
vs State Avg
+$1,696
vs National
$-2,826
Cost of Living
95%
Chef Salary in Durham by Experience
In Durham, an entry-level chef earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-4,400 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC
| Percentile | Durham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31,540 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,090 |
| Median (50th) | $53,694 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,250 |
| 90th Percentile | $92,910 |
Chef Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Chef in Durham
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Durham 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 Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Durham
Browse open chef positions in Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Durham
How much does a Chef make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median chef salary in Durham, North Carolina is $53,694 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $31,540 (10th percentile) to $92,910 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,694, a chef in Durham earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for chef pay? ▼
Durham's median chef salary of $53,694 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $51,998. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $53,694 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Durham? ▼
Most chef positions in Durham 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.