Chef in Nashville, TN
Chefs in Nashville, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $25.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,000.00 per week, $4,333.33 per month, and $52,000.00 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Nashville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting promising employment opportunities and industry expansion in the culinary sector locally.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Nashville, TN?
The salary of a Chef in Nashville varies based on experience and skill level. Here is a breakdown of earnings at different stages of a Chef's career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $18.00 | $720.00 | $3,120.00 | $37,440.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $35.00 | $1,400.00 | $6,033.33 | $72,800.00 |
Do Chefs in Nashville Earn Tips?
Chefs typically do not earn tips directly as their roles are mostly behind the scenes preparing food. However, in some fine dining or high-end restaurants, Chefs might receive occasional tip-sharing arrangements, but this is not standard. Their primary compensation comes from their salary or hourly wage.
Chef Salary in Nashville vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn about $24.00 per hour and approximately $49,920.00 per year.
Chefs in Nashville earn slightly above the national hourly average, at $25.00 per hour and $52,000.00 annually, reflecting the city's growing culinary market and demand for skilled professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Nashville for Chef
Nearby neighborhoods offer varying pay rates for Chefs:
- Downtown: $28.00 per hour
- Green Hills: $30.00 per hour
Chefs working in Green Hills tend to earn the highest wages among local areas due to upscale dining establishments and higher living costs.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Nashville?
Several factors impact the earnings potential of a Chef in Nashville:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More seasoned Chefs with diverse culinary techniques tend to command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels usually offer better pay compared to casual eateries.
- Specialized Expertise: Chefs skilled in specialty cuisines or pastry making may see increased salary opportunities.
- Education and Certifications: Advanced culinary degrees and certifications can positively influence pay rates.
- Management Responsibilities: Chefs overseeing kitchen staff or managing operations often earn more.
How To Become a Chef in Nashville
To pursue a Chef career in Nashville, consider the following pathways:
- Complete Culinary Education: Programs such as the Nashville State Community College Culinary Arts Program offering an Associate of Applied Science degree provide essential hands-on and theoretical training.
- Advance Studies: The Art Institute of Tennessee – Nashville Culinary Arts Program provides a Bachelor of Science degree focusing on culinary and management skills.
- Obtain Certifications: Earning the ServSafe Certification for food safety is crucial. Additionally, the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential can elevate your professional status.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Starting in entry-level kitchen roles develops practical skills and industry knowledge.
Top Employers Hiring Chef in Nashville
Some of the notable employers actively seeking talented Chefs in Nashville include:
- The Catbird Seat
- Husk Nashville
- Rolf and Daughters
- City House
- Etch
Establishments That Chef in Nashville Work At
Chefs in Nashville work across a wide range of establishments:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These venues typically pay higher salaries due to elevated skill demands.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: Compensation is generally moderate, suitable for newer Chefs building experience.
- Hotels and Resorts: Offering stable work and often higher wages with benefits for experienced Chefs.
- Catering Services: Income may vary based on event frequency and scale.
The salary a Chef commands often correlates with the establishment's prestige, client base, and operational scale.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Nashville for Chef
If you are exploring careers related to being a Chef, consider these similar roles:
Similar roles include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, each with distinct responsibilities and career trajectories within the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chef in Nashville
Understanding labor laws and tax requirements is vital for Chefs working in Nashville.
- Check state regulations on employment standards and wage laws via the Official Tennessee government website.
- Local government resources, including health codes and permits, can be accessed through Nashville’s official site.
- For federal labor laws and workforce regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.