Chef Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median chef salary in Raleigh, NC is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Chef Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median chef salary of $55,390, which is $3,392 above the North Carolina state average of $51,998. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for chefs in Raleigh spans from $32,536 at the 10th percentile to $95,844 at the 90th percentile — a $63,308 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, 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.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 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
How to Become a Chef in Raleigh
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open chef positions in Raleigh, NC: