Creative & Education San Antonio, TX Pop. 1,434,625

Chef Salary in San Antonio, Texas

The median chef salary in San Antonio, TX is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the Texas state average.

City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
$-2,260
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%

Chef Pay in San Antonio: What to Expect (2026)

San Antonio offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $2,260 below the Texas state average of $51,998. Compared to the national median of $56,520, San Antonio pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of San Antonio's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes San Antonio an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in San Antonio spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. As a major metro area with a population of 1,434,625, San Antonio typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chef Salary in San Antonio by Experience

In San Antonio, 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 San Antonio, TX

Percentile San Antonio
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $37,136
Median (50th) $49,738
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $86,064

Chef Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$59,346
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$56,520
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$54,259
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$51,998
Pop. 918,915

How to Become a Chef in San Antonio

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. San Antonio 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 San Antonio may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in San Antonio

Browse open chef positions in San Antonio, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in San Antonio

How much does a Chef make in San Antonio, TX? ▼
The median chef salary in San Antonio, Texas 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 San Antonio? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in San Antonio earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Antonio compare to the Texas state average for chef pay? ▼
San Antonio's median chef salary of $49,738 is 4.3% below the Texas state average of $51,998. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Antonio, TX? ▼
San Antonio has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in San Antonio has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in San Antonio? ▼
Most chef positions in San Antonio 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.