Creative & Education Winston-Salem, NC Pop. 249,545

Chef Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The median chef salary in Winston-Salem, NC is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$48,607
vs State Avg
$-3,391
vs National
$-7,913
Cost of Living
86%

Chef Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $3,391 below the North Carolina state average of $51,998. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Winston-Salem spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Winston-Salem, NC

Percentile Winston-Salem
10th Percentile $28,552
25th Percentile $36,292
Median (50th) $48,607
75th Percentile $64,500
90th Percentile $84,108

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
Greensboro, NC
$49,738
Pop. 299,035

How to Become a Chef in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Winston-Salem

Browse open chef positions in Winston-Salem, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Chef make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
The median chef salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $84,108 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,607, a chef in Winston-Salem earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for chef pay? ▼
Winston-Salem's median chef salary of $48,607 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $51,998. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼
Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $48,607 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Winston-Salem? ▼
Most chef positions in Winston-Salem 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.