Creative & Education Huntington, WV Pop. 46,842

Chef Salary in Huntington, West Virginia

The median chef salary in Huntington, WV is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$46,346
vs State Avg
$-1,131
vs National
$-10,174
Cost of Living
82%

Chef Pay in Huntington: What to Expect (2026)

Huntington offers a median chef salary of $46,346, which is $1,131 below the West Virginia state average of $47,477. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Huntington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Huntington's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $46,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Huntington an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Huntington spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $80,196 at the 90th percentile — a $52,972 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Huntington is a smaller market (pop. 46,842), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Huntington by Experience

In Huntington, an entry-level chef earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Huntington, WV

Percentile Huntington
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $34,604
Median (50th) $46,346
75th Percentile $61,500
90th Percentile $80,196

Chef Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$50,868
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$49,738
Pop. 48,006
Parkersburg, WV
$45,216
Pop. 29,675
Wheeling, WV
$44,086
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Chef in Huntington

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Huntington

Browse open chef positions in Huntington, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Huntington

How much does a Chef make in Huntington, WV? ▼
The median chef salary in Huntington, West Virginia is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $80,196 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Huntington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,346, a chef in Huntington earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Huntington compare to the West Virginia state average for chef pay? ▼
Huntington's median chef salary of $46,346 is 2.4% below the West Virginia state average of $47,477. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Huntington, WV? ▼
Huntington has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $46,346 in Huntington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Huntington? ▼
Most chef positions in Huntington 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.