Creative & Education Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Chef Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median chef salary in Chattanooga, TN is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
$-565
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%

Chef Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $37,136
Median (50th) $49,738
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $86,064

Chef Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$56,520
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$51,998
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$49,738
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$48,607
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Chef in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open chef positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Chef make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median chef salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Chattanooga earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for chef pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median chef salary of $49,738 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $50,303. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Chattanooga? ▼
Most chef positions in Chattanooga 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.