Chef Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia
The median chef salary in Chesapeake, VA is $55,390 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.
Chef Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)
Chesapeake offers a median chef salary of $55,390, which is $3,391 below the Virginia state average of $58,781. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $32,536 at the 10th percentile to $95,844 at the 90th percentile — a $63,308 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,300, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Chesapeake by Experience
In Chesapeake, an entry-level chef earns around $34,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA
| Percentile | Chesapeake |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,536 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,356 |
| Median (50th) | $55,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $95,844 |
Chef Salary in Other Virginia Cities
How to Become a Chef in Chesapeake
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Chesapeake and the surrounding Virginia 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 Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Chesapeake
Browse open chef positions in Chesapeake, VA: