Head Chef Salary in Grand Prairie, TX
Head Chefs in Grand Prairie, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $26.44 per hour, which translates to about $1,057.60 per week, $4,582.93 per month, and $54,995.20 per year.
The demand for Head Chefs in Grand Prairie is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy increase in job opportunities and the need for skilled culinary leaders in the area.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in Grand Prairie, TX?
The salary of a Head Chef in Grand Prairie varies by experience level and skill, but generally follows this pattern:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $21.79 | $871.60 | $3,779.47 | $45,299.20 |
| Mid-level (average) | $26.44 | $1,057.60 | $4,582.93 | $54,995.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.09 | $1,243.60 | $5,365.07 | $64,627.20 |
Do Head Chefs in Grand Prairie Earn Tips?
Head Chefs typically do not earn tips as their role primarily involves overseeing kitchen operations and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their compensation usually comes from salary or wages only.
Head Chef Salary in Grand Prairie vs. National Average
Nationally, Head Chefs earn an average of approximately $27.88 per hour, equating to about $57,990.40 per year.
Compared to the national average, Head Chefs in Grand Prairie earn slightly less hourly at $26.44 per hour and annually at $54,995.20, which may reflect regional cost of living and demand differences.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Grand Prairie for Head Chefs
The areas around Grand Prairie also offer competitive salaries for Head Chefs, including:
- Downtown Grand Prairie: $27.50 per hour
- North Grand Prairie: $28.00 per hour
Head Chefs working in North Grand Prairie tend to earn the highest wages nearby, with Downtown Grand Prairie offering slightly less but still competitive pay.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in Grand Prairie?
Several key factors impact the earnings of a Head Chef in Grand Prairie:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Head Chefs, especially those with expertise in various cuisines and leadership, command higher salaries.
- Skills and Specializations: Skills such as menu development, kitchen management, and food safety certifications can boost pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and gourmet eateries typically offer higher salaries compared to casual or fast-food places.
- Size and Reputation of Establishment: Larger or more prestigious operations often have larger budgets for chef salaries.
- Location: Salary differences can arise depending on whether the establishment is in the city center or suburbs.
How To Become a Head Chef in Grand Prairie
To become a successful Head Chef in Grand Prairie, consider the following steps:
- Gain Formal Culinary Training: Programs such as the Tarrant County College Culinary Arts Program in Arlington and the Dallas College – El Centro Campus Culinary Arts Program offer valuable hands-on culinary education and certifications.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: Requirements include the Food Handler Certification, mandatory within 60 days of employment in Grand Prairie, and the Food Manager Certification required for food establishment managers in Texas.
- Build Experience: Work under experienced chefs as a line cook or sous chef to develop skills and advance to head chef roles.
- Develop Leadership and Management Skills: Overseeing kitchen staff, controlling inventory, and creating menus are essential head chef duties.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in Grand Prairie
Several prominent employers in Grand Prairie are known for hiring skilled Head Chefs, such as:
- Global Gaming LSP
- Upper Crust Food Service
- JOEY Restaurants
- Snooze an AM Eatery
Establishments That Head Chefs in Grand Prairie Work At
Head Chefs in Grand Prairie typically work in a variety of culinary establishments including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These offer some of the highest salaries due to skill requirements and premium dining experiences.
- Hotel Kitchens: Offering steady employment and benefits, often with opportunities for advancement.
- Casual Dining and Fast Casual: Salaries may be moderate, but these establishments offer valuable experience and steady work.
- Catering and Event Companies: These may provide variable pay depending on season and volume of events.
The diversity of settings allows Head Chefs to find suitable environments aligned with their career goals and desired compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Grand Prairie for Head Chefs
If interested in roles related to Head Chef, consider these similar career paths that offer overlapping skills and salary ranges:
This list includes Executive Chef, Chef, and Restaurant Manager positions, each involving culinary leadership and operational management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in Grand Prairie
Head Chefs in Grand Prairie should familiarize themselves with important labor laws and tax requirements applicable locally and federally:
- Information on state regulations can be found on the Texas government website.
- Local ordinances and health department requirements are available through the Grand Prairie official city website.
- For federal employment standards and labor law information, the U.S. Department of Labor website is an essential resource.