Creative & Education Bismarck, ND Pop. 73,529

Chef Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota

The median chef salary in Bismarck, ND is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$50,868
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,652
Cost of Living
90%

Chef Pay in Bismarck: What to Expect (2026)

Bismarck offers a median chef salary of $50,868, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $50,868. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% 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 Bismarck spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $88,020 at the 90th percentile — a $58,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level chef earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bismarck, ND

Percentile Bismarck
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $37,980
Median (50th) $50,868
75th Percentile $67,500
90th Percentile $88,020

Chef Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

How to Become a Chef in Bismarck

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Bismarck

Browse open chef positions in Bismarck, ND:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Chef make in Bismarck, ND? ▼
The median chef salary in Bismarck, North Dakota is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $88,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Bismarck? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,868, a chef in Bismarck earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for chef pay? ▼
Bismarck's median chef salary of $50,868 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $50,868. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼
Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $50,868 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Bismarck? ▼
Most chef positions in Bismarck 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.