Chef Salary in Gilbert, AZ
Chefs in Gilbert, AZ, in 2025, earn approximately $16.73 per hour, which translates to about $669.20 per week, $2,899.87 per month, and $34,798.40 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Gilbert is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job opportunities and expansion in the local culinary industry.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Gilbert, AZ?
The salary of a Chef in Gilbert can vary depending on experience and the specific employer, but here is a general look at earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.70 | $628.00 | $2,711.33 | $32,656.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.73 | $669.20 | $2,899.87 | $34,798.40 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.82 | $712.80 | $3,070.40 | $36,969.60 |
Do Chefs in Gilbert Earn Tips?
Chefs generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily in food preparation rather than direct customer service. Therefore, their income mostly comes from their wages or salaries.
Chef Salary in Gilbert vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $16.73 per hour, which amounts to about $34,798.40 per year.
Chefs in Gilbert earn roughly the same as the national average, with hourly and annual salaries closely matching national figures.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Gilbert for Chefs
When looking at nearby areas, Chef salaries are slightly higher:
- Phoenix: $17.50 per hour
- Tempe: $18.00 per hour
Chefs working in these nearby cities may find marginally better pay opportunities compared to Gilbert.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Gilbert?
Several factors contribute to variations in Chef salaries in Gilbert:
- Experience: More experienced Chefs typically command higher wages due to refined culinary skills and leadership capabilities.
- Skill Set and Specialization: Expertise in particular cuisines or cooking techniques can increase earning potential.
- Type of Establishment: Chefs working in upscale restaurants, hotels, or resorts tend to earn more compared to those in casual dining or fast casual locations.
- Education and Certification: Culinary education and certifications can boost employability and salary.
- Shift Patterns: Working night or weekend shifts sometimes offers higher pay rates.
How To Become a Chef in Gilbert
To pursue a career as a Chef in Gilbert, consider these important steps:
- Formal Culinary Education: Training at local institutions such as the Arizona Culinary Institute in Scottsdale or the Scottsdale Community College Culinary Arts Program provides strong foundational skills combining classical and modern techniques.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining credentials like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often required and shows your knowledge of safe food practices.
- Professional Certification: Earning designations such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) from the American Culinary Federation signals competency in culinary skills.
- Gain Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles and progressively advancing helps build practical skills.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Gilbert
Some of the top employers seeking Chefs in Gilbert include:
- Topgolf
- Enhanced Management Concepts LLC
- American Orchards
Establishments That Chefs in Gilbert Work At
Chefs in Gilbert typically find employment across various types of food service establishments, including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer consistent work with moderate salary ranges.
- Fast Casual Establishments: Generally provide faster-paced environments with salaries reflecting the volume and speed.
- Fine Dining & Hotels: Such upscale venues typically provide the highest pay, often rewarding culinary complexity and presentation expertise.
- Catering Services & Resorts: These can provide varied experiences and sometimes higher financial rewards depending on clientele and event scale.
The type of establishment plays a crucial role in determining salary, with fine dining and hotel settings tending to offer better compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Gilbert for Chefs
If you are interested in careers related to the Chef role, you might also consider the following similar positions:
These include Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager roles, each offering distinct responsibilities and salary ranges within the culinary and hospitality fields.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Gilbert
Chefs in Gilbert should be informed about labor regulations and tax requirements at both the state and federal levels to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
- Visit the official Arizona government website for comprehensive state labor law information.
- For federal labor laws, consult the U.S. Department of Labor's official site, which provides resources on employment standards and rights.