SalaryNode

Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

The average salary for Chefs and Head Cookss in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $57,410. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN-GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,520.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Chattanooga, TN-GA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,410

The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-11.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.6

Weekly

$1,104

Monthly

$4,784

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Chattanooga, TN-GA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.7x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $31,200, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $84,520.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$31,200$15
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$43,058$20.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$52,990$25.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$71,763$34.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$84,520$40.6

Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,410

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Chattanooga, TN-GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $57,410 to $57,410.

Job Market Context

190

Total Jobs

0.714

Per 1K Jobs

0.6

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.60x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

190 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Chattanooga, TN-GA.

Only 0.714 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks

CitySalaryDist.
Dalton, GA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$43,110↓ 25%26 mi
Rome, GA Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$50,210↓ 13%55 mi
Huntsville, AL Chefs and Head Cooks Salary$65,060↑ 13%83 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $57,410. This typically ranges from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $84,520 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 11.2% lower than the national median of $64,680.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?

It depends on your priorities. While the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $57,410 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Chattanooga, TN-GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Dalton, GA ($43,110) and Rome, GA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.714 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA