Chef Salary in Raleigh, NC
Chefs in Raleigh, NC, in 2025, earn approximately $25.50 per hour, which translates to about $1,020.00 per week, $4,420.00 per month, and $53,040.00 per year.
The job outlook for Chefs is positive with a growth rate of about 10% per year, indicating a strong and expanding demand for culinary professionals in Raleigh and surrounding areas.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Raleigh, NC?
The salary of a Chef in Raleigh varies depending on experience, skills, and workplace, but the following breakdown gives an idea of earnings at different levels.
| 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 Raleigh Earn Tips?
Chefs typically do earn tips in many establishments. This can amount to an extra $5 to $15 per hour in tips, depending on the type of restaurant and service style. Fine dining venues often provide higher tip earnings compared to casual dining.
Chef Salary in Raleigh vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $24.00 per hour, which results in about $49,920 per year.
Compared to the national average, Chefs in Raleigh earn slightly higher hourly wages at $25.50 per hour and a higher annual salary of about $53,040. This reflects Raleigh's growing culinary scene and increasing demand for skilled chefs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Raleigh for Chefs
When considering nearby neighborhoods, Chef salaries vary slightly:
- Downtown Raleigh: $28.00 per hour
- North Hills: $27.50 per hour
Downtown Raleigh offers the highest pay rates, likely due to the concentration of upscale eateries and increased cost of living.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Raleigh?
Several important factors influence a Chef’s salary in Raleigh:
- Experience: Chefs with more years of culinary experience and leadership roles earn more.
- Skill level and specialization: Expertise in certain cuisines or pastry skills often leads to higher pay.
- Type of establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and resorts typically offer better salaries than casual dining or fast-casual venues.
- Education and certifications: Formal culinary training and certifications can boost earning potential.
- Location: Salaries in popular or affluent neighborhoods tend to be higher.
How To Become a Chef in Raleigh
To become a Chef in Raleigh, aspiring culinary professionals can pursue several pathways:
- Enroll in Culinary Arts Programs: Wake Technical Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Culinary Arts, providing hands-on training and solid culinary foundations. Additionally, The Chef's Academy at Raleigh-Durham offers comprehensive courses focusing on classical and modern culinary techniques.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Certification is essential for food handling safety and is widely recognized in the industry.
- Advanced Chef Certification: Experienced chefs can pursue the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential from the American Culinary Federation to demonstrate superior culinary and managerial skills.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working in various kitchen roles to build skills and understanding of kitchen operations is crucial.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Raleigh
Several prestigious establishments in Raleigh are known for hiring skilled Chefs, including:
- Angus Barn
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Establishments That Chefs in Raleigh Work At
Chefs in Raleigh find employment in a wide range of establishments such as:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Offer the highest pay due to demand for elaborate menu creations and culinary expertise.
- Hotel Kitchens: Often provide stable employment with competitive salaries and benefits.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Usually provide moderate salaries, though opportunities for advancement exist.
- Catering and Event Services: Chefs in these roles can earn well depending on event scale and clientele.
The type and prestige of the workplace heavily influence the overall salary.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Raleigh for Chefs
If you’re exploring careers similar to a Chef, here are a few related positions you might consider:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager roles, which are closely related and may offer distinct career advancement opportunities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Raleigh
Chefs should be well-informed about labor laws and taxes that impact their employment:
- For federal labor laws, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State regulations and employment resources can be found at the North Carolina state government website.
- Local information specific to Raleigh is available through the City of Raleigh official website.