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
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.