Creative & Education Pawtucket, RI Pop. 75,604

Chef Salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island

The median chef salary in Pawtucket, RI is $54,259 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 8.6% below the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$54,259
vs State Avg
$-5,087
vs National
$-2,261
Cost of Living
96%

Chef Pay in Pawtucket: What to Expect (2026)

Pawtucket offers a median chef salary of $54,259, which is $5,087 below the Rhode Island state average of $59,346. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Pawtucket pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pawtucket's cost of living is 96% 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 Pawtucket spans from $31,872 at the 10th percentile to $93,888 at the 90th percentile — a $62,016 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,480. Pawtucket is a smaller market (pop. 75,604), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Pawtucket by Experience

In Pawtucket, an entry-level chef earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,760
$-2,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,480
$-3,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pawtucket, RI

Percentile Pawtucket
10th Percentile $31,872
25th Percentile $40,512
Median (50th) $54,259
75th Percentile $72,000
90th Percentile $93,888

Chef Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

How to Become a Chef in Pawtucket

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Pawtucket

Browse open chef positions in Pawtucket, RI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Pawtucket

How much does a Chef make in Pawtucket, RI? ▼
The median chef salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island is $54,259 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $31,872 (10th percentile) to $93,888 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Pawtucket? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,259, a chef in Pawtucket earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pawtucket compare to the Rhode Island state average for chef pay? ▼
Pawtucket's median chef salary of $54,259 is 8.6% below the Rhode Island state average of $59,346. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pawtucket, RI? ▼
Pawtucket has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $54,259 in Pawtucket has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Pawtucket? ▼
Most chef positions in Pawtucket 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.