Creative & Education Columbia, SC
Pop. 131,674
Chef Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median chef salary in Columbia, SC is $50,868 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
City Median
$50,868
vs State Avg
+$565
vs National
$-5,652
Cost of Living
90%
Chef Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level chef earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,980 |
| Median (50th) | $50,868 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,020 |
Chef Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Chef in Columbia
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Columbia 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.