Chef Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania
The median chef salary in Erie, PA is $47,477 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Chef Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)
Erie offers a median chef salary of $47,477, which is $6,782 below the Pennsylvania state average of $54,259. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $47,477 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Erie spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $82,152 at the 90th percentile — a $54,264 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Erie by Experience
In Erie, an entry-level chef earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA
| Percentile | Erie |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27,888 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,448 |
| Median (50th) | $47,477 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,152 |
Chef Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Chef in Erie
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Erie
Browse open chef positions in Erie, PA: