Chef Salary in Salt Lake City, Utah
The median chef salary in Salt Lake City, UT is $57,650 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the Utah state average.
Chef Pay in Salt Lake City: What to Expect (2026)
Salt Lake City offers a median chef salary of $57,650, which is $2,826 above the Utah state average of $54,824. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Salt Lake City pays above average for this role.
Salt Lake City's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for chefs in Salt Lake City spans from $33,864 at the 10th percentile to $99,756 at the 90th percentile — a $65,892 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,760. With a population of 200,133, Salt Lake City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Salt Lake City by Experience
In Salt Lake City, an entry-level chef earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Salt Lake City, UT
| Percentile | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,864 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,044 |
| Median (50th) | $57,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $99,756 |
Chef Salary in Other Utah Cities
How to Become a Chef in Salt Lake City
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Salt Lake City and the surrounding Utah area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Salt Lake City may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Salt Lake City
Browse open chef positions in Salt Lake City, UT: