Creative & Education Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Chef Salary in Tennessee

The median chef salary in Tennessee is $50,303 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$50,303
vs National
$-6,217
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Chef Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level chef earns around $31,150, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,150
$-3,850 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,840
$-6,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,320
$-9,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $29,548
25th Percentile $37,558
Median (50th) $50,303
75th Percentile $66,750
90th Percentile $87,042

Major Cities for Chefs in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for chefs in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Nashville, TN
Metro area for chef employment
Memphis, TN
Metro area for chef employment
Knoxville, TN
Metro area for chef employment
Chattanooga, TN
Metro area for chef employment
Murfreesboro, TN
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in Tennessee

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.