Creative & Education Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Chef Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median chef salary in Portland, OR is $66,694 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$66,694
vs State Avg
+$4,522
vs National
+$10,174
Cost of Living
118%

Chef Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median chef salary of $66,694, which is $4,522 above the Oregon state average of $62,172. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $66,694 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,520. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chefs in Portland spans from $39,176 at the 10th percentile to $115,404 at the 90th percentile — a $76,228 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,300, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chef Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level chef earns around $41,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,300
+$6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
+$15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $39,176
25th Percentile $49,796
Median (50th) $66,694
75th Percentile $88,500
90th Percentile $115,404

Chef Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$63,302
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$61,042
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$59,346
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$57,650
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Chef in Portland

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Portland

Browse open chef positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Portland

How much does a Chef make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median chef salary in Portland, Oregon is $66,694 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $39,176 (10th percentile) to $115,404 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,694, a chef in Portland earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for chef pay? ▼
Portland's median chef salary of $66,694 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $62,172. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $66,694 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Portland? ▼
Most chef positions in Portland 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.