Creative & Education Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Chef Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median chef salary in Salem, OR is $57,650 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$57,650
vs State Avg
$-4,522
vs National
+$1,130
Cost of Living
102%

Chef Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level chef earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,700
+$700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,760
+$1,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $33,864
25th Percentile $43,044
Median (50th) $57,650
75th Percentile $76,500
90th Percentile $99,756

Chef Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Chef in Salem

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Salem

Browse open chef positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Salem

How much does a Chef make in Salem, OR?
The median chef salary in Salem, Oregon is $57,650 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $33,864 (10th percentile) to $99,756 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Salem?
Based on the median annual salary of $57,650, a chef in Salem earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for chef pay?
Salem's median chef salary of $57,650 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $62,172. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR?
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $57,650 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Salem?
Most chef positions in 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.