Creative & Education Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Chef Salary in Houston, Texas

The median chef salary in Houston, TX is $54,259 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$54,259
vs State Avg
+$2,261
vs National
$-2,261
Cost of Living
96%

Chef Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level chef earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,760
$-2,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,480
$-3,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $31,872
25th Percentile $40,512
Median (50th) $54,259
75th Percentile $72,000
90th Percentile $93,888

Chef Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Chef in Houston

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Houston

Browse open chef positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Houston

How much does a Chef make in Houston, TX?
The median chef salary in Houston, Texas is $54,259 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $31,872 (10th percentile) to $93,888 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Houston?
Based on the median annual salary of $54,259, a chef in Houston earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for chef pay?
Houston's median chef salary of $54,259 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $51,998. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX?
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $54,259 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Houston?
Most chef positions in Houston 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.