Creative & Education Memphis, TN
Pop. 633,104
Chef Salary in Memphis, Tennessee
The median chef salary in Memphis, TN is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.
City Median
$48,607
vs State Avg
$-1,696
vs National
$-7,913
Cost of Living
86%
Chef Salary in Memphis by Experience
In Memphis, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN
| Percentile | Memphis |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,292 |
| Median (50th) | $48,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,108 |
Chef Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Chef in Memphis
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Memphis 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 Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Memphis
Browse open chef positions in Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Memphis
How much does a Chef make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median chef salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $84,108 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,607, a chef in Memphis earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for chef pay? ▼
Memphis's median chef salary of $48,607 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $50,303. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $48,607 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Memphis? ▼
Most chef positions in Memphis 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.