Market Insights
Executive Chef Salary in 2026: Pay by State and Venue
What executive chefs earn in 2026, how venue and state change pay, and what to offer or ask for.
Last updated
The average executive chef salary in 2026 is $77,077 in base pay, according to Payscale, with most executive chefs earning between $55,000 and $107,000 plus annual bonuses of $1,000 to $17,000. Venue matters most: chefs in hotels and clubs earn noticeably more than chefs in restaurants.
Executive chef salary in 2026: the numbers
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average base salary (Payscale) | $77,077 |
| Typical base range, 10th to 90th percentile | $55,000 to $107,000 |
| Annual bonus range | $1,000 to $17,000 |
| BLS median, all chefs and head cooks | $62,470 |
The BLS figure is lower because its category includes head cooks at smaller restaurants. Executive chefs who lead a full kitchen team usually earn more.
How venue type changes executive chef pay
| Venue (BLS industry) | Median, chefs and head cooks |
|---|---|
| Hotels and other traveler accommodation | $74,380 |
| Amusement and recreation (includes golf and country clubs) | $72,830 |
| Restaurants and bars | $60,580 |
| All industries | $62,470 |
Hotel chefs earn about 23% more than restaurant chefs, and club chefs earn nearly as much as hotel chefs. Multi-outlet resorts with banquets usually pay at the top of the range.
Executive chef salary by state
| State or metro | Median, chefs and head cooks |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $77,360 |
| South Carolina | $71,860 |
| California | $64,500 |
| Nevada | $62,380 |
| North Carolina | $61,130 |
| Chicago metro | $60,770 |
| Arizona | $59,890 |
| Florida | $58,240 |
| Texas | $56,080 |
| Louisiana | $45,570 |
| United States | $62,470 |
Median annual pay, May 2025, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. BLS doesn't publish pay by individual job title, so these figures cover the broader occupation. See local hiring details on our pages for Texas, Florida, California and Chicago.
What drives an executive chef's pay up or down
- Scope: one kitchen versus several outlets, banquets and in-room dining
- Volume and team size: more covers and more cooks mean more pay
- Business results: chefs who can show food cost and labor control earn more
- Market and cost of living: Hawaii, California and major metros pay more
- Concept: fine dining, luxury resorts and private clubs pay at the top
Bonuses and total compensation
Many executive chef bonuses are tied to food cost, labor and sales targets. When you compare offers, compare total compensation: base pay, bonus potential, health benefits, paid time off, meals and, at some resorts, housing.
2026 Hospitality Manager Salary Guide
Frequently asked questions
Sources
Published October 17, 2026 · Updated October 17, 2026
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