Creative & Education Greensboro, NC Pop. 299,035

Chef Salary in Greensboro, North Carolina

The median chef salary in Greensboro, NC is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
$-2,260
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%

Chef Pay in Greensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Greensboro offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $2,260 below the North Carolina state average of $51,998. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Greensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Greensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Greensboro an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Greensboro spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 299,035, Greensboro is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Greensboro by Experience

In Greensboro, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Greensboro, NC

Percentile Greensboro
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $37,136
Median (50th) $49,738
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $86,064

Chef Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$55,390
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$55,390
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$53,694
Pop. 283,506
Winston-Salem, NC
$48,607
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Chef in Greensboro

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Greensboro

Browse open chef positions in Greensboro, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Greensboro

How much does a Chef make in Greensboro, NC? ▼
The median chef salary in Greensboro, North Carolina is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Greensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Greensboro earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Greensboro compare to the North Carolina state average for chef pay? ▼
Greensboro's median chef salary of $49,738 is 4.3% below the North Carolina state average of $51,998. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Greensboro, NC? ▼
Greensboro has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Greensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Greensboro? ▼
Most chef positions in Greensboro 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.