Head Chef Salary in Fayetteville, NC
Head Chefs in Fayetteville, NC, in 2026, earn approximately $19.50 per hour, translating to about $780.00 per week, $3,380.00 per month, and $40,560.00 per year.
The demand for Head Chefs in Fayetteville is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive job market growth for culinary leadership roles in the area.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in Fayetteville, NC?
The salary of a Head Chef in Fayetteville depends on the experience level and skills. Here is a breakdown across typical experience stages:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.00 | $560.00 | $2,426.67 | $29,120.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.50 | $780.00 | $3,380.00 | $40,560.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $25.00 | $1,000.00 | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
Do Head Chefs in Fayetteville Earn Tips?
Head Chefs typically do not earn tips since their role is mostly managerial and behind the scenes in the kitchen, focusing on food preparation and kitchen oversight rather than direct customer service.
Head Chef Salary in Fayetteville vs. National Average
Nationally, Head Chefs earn an average hourly wage of about $30.00 per hour, which amounts to roughly $62,400.00 per year.
Compared to the national average, Head Chefs in Fayetteville earn lower hourly and annual wages, reflecting regional living cost differences and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Fayetteville for Head Chefs
Nearby areas offer competitive salaries for Head Chefs:
- Downtown Fayetteville: $21.00 per hour
- Haymount: $20.50 per hour
These areas generally provide slightly better pay than the Fayetteville average, possibly due to higher-end dining establishments or more culinary opportunities.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in Fayetteville?
Several factors can influence how much a Head Chef earns:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: Chefs with extensive experience and advanced skills in culinary techniques tend to earn higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and specialty dining venues often offer better pay compared to casual dining or fast-food places.
- Leadership and Management Abilities: Head Chefs who effectively manage kitchen staff and operations are valued more highly.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary education and professional certifications may enhance earning potential.
- Shift and Hours Worked: Working nights, weekends, or holiday shifts can sometimes lead to additional compensation.
How To Become a Head Chef in Fayetteville
Advancing to the role of Head Chef can be achieved through several pathways:
- Education: Enroll in culinary programs such as the Fayetteville Technical Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers an associate degree with hands-on training.
- Advanced Studies: Consider the Methodist University Hospitality Management Program that provides a bachelor’s degree with culinary management focus.
- Certifications: Obtaining a ServSafe Certification ensures adherence to food safety standards. Earning a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential from the American Culinary Federation can further qualify you for leadership roles.
- Work Experience: Gain experience by working in various kitchen roles to develop skills and managerial capability.
- Networking and Continuous Improvement: Building relationships in the local culinary community and staying current with culinary trends help career growth.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in Fayetteville
Leading establishments that frequently hire Head Chefs include:
- KickBack Jack's
- Bahama Breeze
- Texas Roadhouse
Establishments That Head Chefs in Fayetteville Work At
Head Chefs typically work in a variety of food service settings including:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These may offer a balanced work environment with moderate pay.
- Full-Service and Fine Dining Venues: Offering better salaries, fine dining requires high culinary skill and management.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often have higher-paying head chef positions due to larger scale operations.
- Institutional Kitchens: Such as schools or hospitals, which may offer more stable but usually lower pay.
The prestige and complexity of the establishment can greatly influence the salary offered to a Head Chef.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Fayetteville for Head Chefs
For those exploring related career options, here are some similar roles worth considering:
These careers include Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager, each sharing culinary leadership and operational responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in Fayetteville
Head Chefs should be familiar with pertinent labor laws and tax regulations.
- For federal labor laws and regulations, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific workplace safety and labor regulations, consult the North Carolina Department of Labor website.