Creative & Education Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Chef Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median chef salary in Charleston, SC is $56,520 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$56,520
vs State Avg
+$6,217
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Chef Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level chef earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $33,200
25th Percentile $42,200
Median (50th) $56,520
75th Percentile $75,000
90th Percentile $97,800

Chef Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$59,346
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$53,694
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$51,998
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$50,868
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Chef in Charleston

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Charleston

Browse open chef positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Charleston

How much does a Chef make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median chef salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $56,520 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $33,200 (10th percentile) to $97,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,520, a chef in Charleston earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for chef pay? ▼
Charleston's median chef salary of $56,520 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $50,303. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $56,520 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Charleston? ▼
Most chef positions in Charleston 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.