Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Washington, DC (2026)
Source: BLS OEWS · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV · 4,480 employed
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Washington, DC is $72,410 per year. The middle 50% of Chefs and Head Cookss earn between $60,210 and $79,420. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $101,830 or more. Entry-level positions typically start around $45,850. The median of $68,260 is above the mean, reflecting the wage distribution in this field.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Breakdown in Washington, DC
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-level) | $45,850 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,210 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $68,260 |
| Mean (Average) | $72,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,420 |
| 90th Percentile (Top earners) | $101,830 |
Related Jobs in Washington, DC
| Occupation | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Bartenders | $56,630 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $51,980 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $47,500 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $43,140 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $42,280 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $39,510 |
Chefs and Head Cooks Salaries in Other Cities
| City | Mean Annual |
|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $97,850 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $90,910 |
| Napa, CA | $82,440 |
| Providence, RI | $81,590 |
| San Jose, CA | $79,730 |
| Morgantown, WV | $79,100 |
| Naples, FL | $78,070 |
| Boston, MA | $77,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Washington, DC?
The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Washington, DC is $72,410 per year, according to BLS OEWS.
What is the median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Washington, DC?
The median Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Washington, DC is $68,260 per year. Half of Chefs and Head Cookss earn more than this and half earn less.
How much do entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss make in Washington, DC?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cookss in Washington, DC typically earn around $45,850 per year (10th percentile). Workers in the 25th percentile earn about $60,210.
What do the highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss earn in Washington, DC?
The highest-paid Chefs and Head Cookss in Washington, DC earn $101,830 or more per year (90th percentile). The 75th percentile wage is $79,420.
How many Chefs and Head Cookss work in Washington, DC?
There are approximately 4,480 Chefs and Head Cookss employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area, per BLS OEWS.