Creative & Education Knoxville, TN
Pop. 190,740
Chef Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median chef salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 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 Knoxville
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Knoxville 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 Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open chef positions in Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Knoxville
How much does a Chef make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median chef salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Knoxville earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for chef pay? ▼
Knoxville'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 Knoxville, TN? ▼
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Knoxville? ▼
Most chef positions in Knoxville 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.