Chef Salary in San Francisco, CA
Chefs in San Francisco, CA, in 2025, earn approximately $31.21 per hour, which translates to about $1,248.40 per week, $5,409.73 per month, and $64,916.80 per year.
The demand for Chefs in San Francisco is growing moderately at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the culinary industry in this vibrant city.
How Much Does a Chef Make in San Francisco, CA?
The salary of a Chef in San Francisco varies based on experience, skills, and the type of establishment. Here's a breakdown by experience level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $23.60 | $944.00 | $4,072.00 | $48,944.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $31.21 | $1,248.40 | $5,409.73 | $64,916.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $41.26 | $1,650.40 | $7,128.27 | $85,820.80 |
Do Chefs in San Francisco Earn Tips?
Chefs typically do not earn tips since their work is primarily behind the scenes in the kitchen. Their compensation is usually through their salary or hourly wage rather than gratuities.
Chef Salary in San Francisco vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn about $19.63 per hour or roughly $40,830.40 per year.
When compared to the national average, Chefs in San Francisco earn significantly more, at around $31.21 per hour and $64,916.80 annually. This premium is often due to the higher cost of living and the culinary prestige associated with this urban area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near San Francisco for Chefs
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries as well:
- Mission Bay: $35.00 per hour
- Presidio: $34.50 per hour
These neighborhoods offer attractive pay rates that are slightly higher than the San Francisco average, providing interesting options for Chefs.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in San Francisco?
Several important factors influence how much a Chef can earn in San Francisco:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Chefs with advanced culinary techniques and leadership abilities command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and fine dining establishments typically offer better compensation than casual or fast food venues.
- Certifications and Education: Culinary degrees or certifications often lead to increased earning potential.
- Specialization: Chefs specializing in certain cuisines or pastry arts may earn more depending on demand and expertise.
- Work Hours and Position Level: Executive Chefs and Kitchen Managers usually earn more than Commis or line cooks.
How To Become a Chef in San Francisco
Becoming a Chef in San Francisco typically involves several practical steps and useful qualifications:
- Attend Culinary School: Institutions like the San Francisco Cooking School offer professional culinary programs featuring hands-on training and industry externships.
- Pursue Culinary Arts Education: The City College of San Francisco Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies provides a comprehensive and affordable curriculum to prepare for a career as a Chef.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Certifications such as the ServSafe Food Manager Certification and the California Food Handler Card are often required and demonstrate essential knowledge of food safety practices.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working in a kitchen environment, whether as a Commis Chef or line cook, provides valuable skills and career advancement opportunities.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to many prestigious establishments that regularly seek skilled Chefs, including:
- The French Laundry
- Benu
- Saison
- Atelier Crenn
- Quince
Establishments That Chefs in San Francisco Work At
Chefs in San Francisco work across a range of hospitality venues, each impacting salary levels differently:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often offer the highest salaries due to complex menus and demanding culinary standards.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: Generally provide moderate salaries and opportunities for rapid advancement.
- Hotels and Resorts: Typically provide stable income with benefits along with opportunities for creativity.
- Catering and Private Events: Pay may vary but can include lucrative contracts and tips in some cases.
The prestige and scale of the establishment usually correlate with higher pay and career advancement.
Related Hospitality Jobs in San Francisco for Chefs
If you're considering roles similar to Chef, here are a few related positions that offer alternative career paths in the culinary industry:
These include Chef de Partie, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, roles that involve management and specialized culinary responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in San Francisco
Chefs should be mindful of federal, state, and local labor regulations that affect their work environment and earnings.
- Federal labor laws and regulations can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- California-specific workplace standards and labor laws are available from the California Department of Industrial Relations.
- Local employment regulations and resources can be consulted via the City and County of San Francisco website.