Head Chef Salary in Bellevue, WA
Head Chefs in Bellevue, WA, in 2025, earn approximately $45.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,800.00 per week, $7,800.00 per month, and $93,600.00 per year.
The demand for Head Chefs in Bellevue is growing positively at around 5% per year, indicating an expanding job market and increasing opportunities in the culinary sector.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in Bellevue, WA?
The salary of a Head Chef in Bellevue varies based on experience, skill set, and type of employer. Here is a breakdown of typical earnings by experience level:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $35.00 | $1,400.00 | $6,066.67 | $72,800.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $45.00 | $1,800.00 | $7,800.00 | $93,600.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $55.00 | $2,200.00 | $9,533.33 | $114,400.00 |
Do Head Chefs in Bellevue Earn Tips?
Head Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role is more focused on kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their compensation usually comes from salary or hourly pay rather than gratuities.
Head Chef Salary in Bellevue vs. National Average
Nationally, Head Chefs make an average of about $30.75 per hour and approximately $63,960 per year.
Compared to these national averages, Head Chefs in Bellevue earn significantly more, with an average hourly wage of $45.00 and an annual salary around $93,600.00.
This difference reflects local market demands, cost of living, and the culinary scene's vibrancy in Bellevue.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Bellevue for Head Chefs
Nearby areas offering higher salaries for Head Chefs include:
- Downtown Bellevue: $50.00 per hour
- Bellevue Square: $48.00 per hour
Working in these neighborhoods may bring increased earning opportunities due to upscale dining establishments and higher customer volume.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in Bellevue?
Multiple factors can impact the earnings of a Head Chef in Bellevue.
- Experience and Culinary Skills: Seasoned chefs with extensive culinary expertise and leadership ability command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and resorts often pay more than casual dining spots or smaller venues.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary education and recognized credentials can significantly boost earning potential.
- Management Responsibilities: Those managing larger teams and operations tend to receive higher compensation.
- Local Market Demand: Bellevue's growing culinary market increases competition for qualified Head Chefs and drives up salaries.
How To Become a Head Chef in Bellevue
Becoming a Head Chef in Bellevue involves a combination of education, certification, and experience.
- Consider enrolling at culinary institutions such as Seattle Culinary Academy or Lake Washington Institute of Technology, which offer focused culinary arts and leadership training.
- Obtaining a Washington State Food Worker Card is mandatory for all food service workers in the state to ensure food safety knowledge.
- Advanced certification like the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can enhance your qualifications.
- Accumulating kitchen experience, progressing through roles such as line cook and sous chef, will prepare you for the responsibilities of a Head Chef.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in Bellevue
Some notable employers seeking skilled Head Chefs in Bellevue include:
- JOEY Restaurants
- Din Tai Fung
- 13 Coins Restaurant
Establishments That Head Chefs in Bellevue Work At
Head Chefs work across a range of establishments, each affecting salary levels:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually offer the highest salaries due to complex menus and high customer expectations.
- Hotel Restaurants: Often provide competitive wages and benefits, with larger kitchen teams to manage.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Dining: These establishments may offer moderate pay and faster-paced environments.
- Catering Services and Private Clubs: Can also employ Head Chefs, sometimes offering seasonal or contract positions with variability in pay.
The type of establishment influences working conditions, salary, and career growth opportunities.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Bellevue for Head Chefs
Those interested in careers related to Head Chef might explore several hospitality roles offering overlapping skills and career paths.
Examples include Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager — roles that work closely within the culinary and hospitality management fields.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in Bellevue
Head Chefs should stay informed of federal, state, and local labor laws which impact wages, working hours, and workplace rights.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive federal guidelines.
- For Washington state-specific labor rules, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries provides essential information.
- The Official website of the City of Bellevue offers resources on local regulations affecting workers.