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 Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $1,696 below the Tennessee state average of $50,303. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Memphis spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

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

Nashville, TN
$56,520
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$51,998
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$49,738
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$49,738
Pop. 181,099

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:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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.