Chef Salary in Madison, Wisconsin
The median chef salary in Madison, WI is $56,520 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.
Chef Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)
Madison offers a median chef salary of $56,520, which is $4,522 above the Wisconsin state average of $51,998. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Madison pays above average for this role.
Madison's cost of living is 100% 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 Madison spans from $33,200 at the 10th percentile to $97,800 at the 90th percentile — a $64,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,000, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Madison by Experience
In Madison, an entry-level chef earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI
| Percentile | Madison |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,200 |
| Median (50th) | $56,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,800 |
Chef Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities
How to Become a Chef in Madison
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin 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 Madison may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Madison
Browse open chef positions in Madison, WI: