Chef Salary in Durham, NC
Chefs in Durham, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $18.41 per hour, which translates to about $736.40 per week, $3,191.07 per month, and $38,292.80 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Durham is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for career opportunities and expansion in the culinary field.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Durham, NC?
The salary of a Chef in Durham varies based on experience and skill level, with different pay scales at entry, mid, and top-level career stages.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.57 | $582.80 | $2,525.87 | $30,309.60 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.41 | $736.40 | $3,191.07 | $38,292.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $23.26 | $930.40 | $4,008.27 | $48,361.60 |
Do Chefs in Durham Earn Tips?
Chefs typically do not earn tips directly as their work is primarily behind the scenes, focusing on food preparation and kitchen management. However, some Chefs working in certain establishments might receive bonuses or profit sharing, but tips generally go to front-of-house staff.
Chef Salary in Durham vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of about $19.60 per hour, translating to around $40,768 annually.
Compared to this, Chefs in Durham earn slightly less, with an average of $18.41 per hour and about $38,292.80 per year. This reflects regional variations in cost of living and the local job market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Durham for Chefs
Nearby regions offer some of the highest salaries for Chefs as follows:
- Pinehurst: $27.59 per hour
- Wilmington: $26.83 per hour
Chefs willing to commute or relocate to Pinehurst or Wilmington can expect significantly higher pay for their culinary expertise.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Durham?
Several factors influence the salary of a Chef in Durham, including:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: Chefs with extensive kitchen experience, specialized culinary skills, and leadership abilities tend to earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants, upscale hotels, or specialty cuisine venues usually offer better pay compared to casual or fast-casual dining.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary education and food safety certifications can enhance salary prospects.
- Responsibility Level: Executive Chefs or Head Chefs managing kitchen teams will typically earn more than line cooks or lower-level chefs.
- Market Demand: Growing local food scenes and tourism can increase opportunities and compensation.
How To Become a Chef in Durham
Becoming a Chef in Durham generally involves these steps:
- Complete Formal Culinary Education: Programs like the Culinary Arts Program at Durham Technical Community College and The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham’s Culinary Arts Program provide extensive training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food preparation.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is widely recognized and often required to ensure compliance with health codes.
- Earn Professional Chef Credentials: Advanced certifications such as the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) by the American Culinary Federation can demonstrate expertise and leadership.
- Gain On-the-Job Experience: Working in various kitchen roles from line cook to sous chef helps build skills and career progression.
- Network and Stay Updated: Engaging with local culinary organizations and keeping abreast of industry trends supports career growth.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Durham
Several well-known companies in Durham hire Chefs, including:
- Serena Gastropub
- Morrison Living
- Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Establishments That Chefs in Durham Work At
Chefs in Durham find work across diverse establishment types, such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These typically offer higher salaries and expect advanced culinary expertise.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Chefs here may earn less, but can gain valuable kitchen experience.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger hospitality venues might provide more stable employment and benefits.
- Catering Companies and Event Venues: Chefs may work flexibly and earn based on event demands.
The type of establishment significantly impacts earnings, with luxury venues generally offering the highest pay.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Durham for Chef
If you are interested in roles similar to Chef, here are some related careers to consider:
These include Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager roles, all of which involve leadership and culinary expertise.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chef in Durham
Chefs in Durham should be knowledgeable about labor laws and tax regulations affecting their work conditions and earnings.
- For information on federal labor laws, you can visit the Department of Labor website.
- North Carolina state-specific labor laws and regulations are available at the North Carolina Department of Labor website.