Creative & Education Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Chef Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median chef salary in Mitchell, SD is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$46,346
vs State Avg
$-3,392
vs National
$-10,174
Cost of Living
82%

Chef Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median chef salary of $46,346, which is $3,392 below the South Dakota state average of $49,738. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $46,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Mitchell spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $80,196 at the 90th percentile — a $52,972 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level chef earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $34,604
Median (50th) $46,346
75th Percentile $61,500
90th Percentile $80,196

Chef Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,998
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$50,868
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$48,607
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$47,477
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Chef in Mitchell

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open chef positions in Mitchell, SD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Chef make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median chef salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $80,196 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,346, a chef in Mitchell earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for chef pay? ▼
Mitchell's median chef salary of $46,346 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $49,738. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $46,346 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Mitchell? ▼
Most chef positions in Mitchell 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.