Chef Salary in Providence, RI
Chefs in Providence, RI, in 2026, earn approximately $23.03 per hour, which translates to about $921.20 per week, $3,991.87 per month, and $47,902.40 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Providence is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding job market for culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Providence, RI?
The salary of a Chef in Providence varies depending on experience and specific employer, but here is a general breakdown of earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,434.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Chefs in Providence Earn Tips?
Chefs generally do not earn tips since their work usually occurs behind the scenes and does not involve direct customer service. Their earnings primarily come from their salary or wages rather than gratuities.
Chef Salary in Providence vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $23.03 per hour, which translates to approximately $47,902.40 annually.
Chefs in Providence earn varying salaries depending on experience, slightly lower at entry and mid-levels compared to the national average. Top earners in Providence still tend to earn less than the national average, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Providence for Chefs
Nearby locations offer competitive salaries for Chefs, including:
- East Greenwich: $42.65 per hour
- Warwick: $41.96 per hour
These neighboring areas pay significantly more for Chefs than Providence itself, reflecting the demand in those localities.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Providence?
Several key factors affect how much a Chef can earn in Providence:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Chefs with specialized culinary techniques or leadership abilities typically command higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or high-end hotels often offers better pay compared to casual dining or fast food chains.
- Certifications and Education: Professional culinary certifications and formal education can enhance earning potential.
- Shift and Work Hours: Chefs working night or weekend shifts might receive shift differentials that increase overall salary.
- Local Economic Factors: Providence's cost of living and market demand plays a role in salary levels.
How To Become a Chef in Providence
To start a career as a Chef in Providence, aspiring individuals can pursue the following steps:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Johnson & Wales University Culinary Arts Program in Providence offers comprehensive training combining practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
- Obtain a Culinary Degree or Associate’s: The Community College of Rhode Island provides an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts focusing on essential skills for the industry.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Certifications like ServSafe provide important training on food and beverage safety essential for Chefs.
- Gain Professional Certification: Advanced certifications such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC) awarded by the American Culinary Federation demonstrate high culinary competence and managerial expertise.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Providence
Some of the prominent employers actively recruiting Chefs in Providence include:
- McDonald's
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Chefs in Providence Work At
Chefs can be found working across a wide range of dining establishments in Providence, such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Known for gourmet cuisine, these often offer higher salaries to Chefs due to the skill and creativity required.
- Casual and Family Restaurants: Chefs here typically earn moderate wages, reflecting the scale and clientele of the business.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger hospitality venues may provide competitive pay and growth opportunities.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: Salaries tend to be lower but the volume of work can offer steady employment.
The type of establishment significantly impacts salary due to variations in customer expectations, menu complexity, and operational scale.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Providence for Chefs
For those interested in similar roles in the culinary and hospitality industry, here are a few related positions:
These include Executive Chef, Head Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, all closely related to the Chef role with opportunities for career progression.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Providence
Chefs should familiarize themselves with labor laws and tax guidelines that affect their employment in Providence, RI.
- Visit the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training for state-specific labor regulations and worker rights.
- Consult the Internal Revenue Service website for federal tax information and guidance.