Chef Salary in Cincinnati, OH
Chefs in Cincinnati, OH, in 2025, earn approximately $18.24 per hour, which translates to about $729.60 per week, $3,161.60 per month, and $37,939.20 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Cincinnati is growing steadily at about 7% per year, indicating a promising outlook for employment opportunities and career advancement in the culinary field in this region.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Cincinnati, OH?
The salary of a Chef in Cincinnati varies based on experience, skills, and the type of establishment. Below is an overview of typical earnings by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,436.00 | $29,232.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.24 | $729.60 | $3,161.60 | $37,939.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.58 | $943.20 | $4,061.60 | $48,945.60 |
Do Chefs in Cincinnati Earn Tips?
Chefs in Cincinnati generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes in food preparation. However, some chefs in upscale or private dining settings may receive occasional gratuities, but these are not a reliable or standard part of the income.
Chef Salary in Cincinnati vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn about $19.62 per hour or $40,809.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cincinnati Chefs earn slightly less hourly at $18.24 and annually at $37,939.20.
This difference may be influenced by local economic factors and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Cincinnati for Chefs
Several neighborhoods near Cincinnati offer higher pay for Chefs:
- Downtown: $19.50 per hour
- Over-the-Rhine: $20.00 per hour
Chefs working in Over-the-Rhine might find better compensation reflecting the area's growing culinary scene.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Cincinnati?
Experience is a major factor; seasoned Chefs typically earn more. Skill level, including culinary expertise and creativity, also impacts earnings.
The type of establishment matters. Chefs in high-end restaurants often earn more than those in casual or fast-food venues.
Other factors include education and certifications, such as culinary degrees and safety certifications, and hours worked, including overtime and weekend shifts.
How To Become a Chef in Cincinnati
Becoming a successful Chef in Cincinnati involves several steps:
- Complete culinary education programs such as the Culinary Arts Certificate at Cincinnati State, which provides fundamental cooking skills and food service sanitation training.
- Consider advanced degrees like the Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary and Food Science at Cincinnati State for broader knowledge in food science and product development.
- Obtain important certifications such as the ServSafe Certification, which ensures compliance with food safety standards, and the Certified Culinarian (CC) by the American Culinary Federation, demonstrating culinary competence.
- Gain practical experience by working in kitchens, starting with roles like line cook or prep cook.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Cincinnati
Cincinnati's culinary scene is rich with well-known establishments employing Chefs:
- Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment
- Orchids at Palm Court
- Boca Restaurants & Bars
- Sotto
- Incline Public House
Establishments That Chefs in Cincinnati Work At
Chefs in Cincinnati work across various types of establishments including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These typically offer higher salaries due to the skill level and presentation standards required.
- Casual and Family Restaurants: Salaries may be moderate but offer steady employment.
- Fast Casual and Quick Service: Lower salaries, but opportunities for rapid advancement exist.
- Hotels and Catering Services: Chefs in these sectors may enjoy consistent hours and benefits, affecting salary positively.
The type of establishment greatly influences earnings, with fine dining usually compensating Chefs the best.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Cincinnati for Chef
If you’re interested in roles related to Chef, consider these similar positions that often share skills and career paths:
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Cincinnati
Chefs should familiarize themselves with local and federal labor laws to understand their employment rights.
- For comprehensive federal labor statistics and employment data, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services website (jfs.ohio.gov) provides information on state labor laws and employment services.