Head Chef Salary in Hendersonville, TN
Head Chefs in Hendersonville, TN, 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 Hendersonville is growing positively at about 5% per year, indicating an expanding opportunity for those skilled in culinary management and kitchen leadership.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in Hendersonville, TN?
The salary of a Head Chef in Hendersonville depends on experience and the specific employer. Here’s a breakdown of earnings at different experience levels:
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $23.32 | $933.00 | $4,032.67 | $48,392.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $30.24 | $1,209.60 | $5,237.07 | $62,899.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $37.16 | $1,486.40 | $6,402.93 | $76,828.80 |
Do Head Chefs in Hendersonville Earn Tips?
Head Chefs generally do not earn tips as their role is primarily behind the scenes managing kitchen operations and staff. Their income mostly comes from their salary rather than additional gratuities.
Head Chef Salary in Hendersonville vs. National Average
Nationally, Head Chefs earn an average of around $30.24 per hour, which equates to about $62,899.20 per year.
Comparatively, Head Chefs in Hendersonville, TN, earn significantly more at about $45.00 per hour and $93,600.00 annually. This suggests a strong local market for skilled culinary leaders willing to manage and innovate in commercial kitchens.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Hendersonville for Head Chefs
Nearby areas also offer competitive salaries for Head Chefs:
- Downtown Hendersonville: $45.00 per hour
- Indian Lake: $43.00 per hour
Downtown Hendersonville stands out as a particularly lucrative area for Head Chefs, reflecting its vibrant dining scene.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in Hendersonville?
Several factors notably affect a Head Chef’s compensation in Hendersonville:
- Experience and Expertise: More years in the industry and specialized skills can significantly increase earnings.
- Type of Establishment: High-end restaurants or hotels typically offer higher pay than casual dining or fast-casual venues.
- Managerial Responsibilities: Head Chefs who manage larger teams or multiple kitchen operations often have higher salaries.
- Reputation and Culinary Style: Innovators and those known for unique cuisines may command premium wages.
- Education and Certification: Holding culinary degrees and certifications often enhances salary potential.
How To Become a Head Chef in Hendersonville
Becoming a Head Chef in Hendersonville requires a blend of education, experience, and skill building.
- Education: Pursue culinary arts training through programs like Nashville State Community College Culinary Arts Program, offering hands-on training and an Associate of Applied Science degree, or the Art Institute of Tennessee – Nashville Culinary Program, which provides a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management.
- Certifications: Achieving credentials such as the ServSafe Manager Certification, focusing on food safety, and the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) certification, demonstrating culinary proficiency and leadership capabilities, can elevate your career path.
- Gain Experience: Work your way up through kitchen roles, from line cook to sous chef, accumulating practical kitchen management experience.
- Networking and Mentorship: Connect with established chefs and participate in culinary organizations for opportunities and knowledge sharing.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in Hendersonville
Several established dining venues in Hendersonville are actively hiring Head Chefs, including:
- The Chop House
- Puckett's Hendersonville
- Alberto's
- Center Point Bar-B-Que
- Café Rakka Mediterranean Grill
Establishments That Head Chefs in Hendersonville Work At
Head Chefs in Hendersonville typically find employment across a range of dining establishments, each influencing salary levels:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These venues often offer the highest salaries, valuing culinary excellence and creativity.
- Casual Dining and Family Restaurants: Moderate pay with opportunities to develop a broad range of management skills.
- Hotels and Resorts: Provide stable salaries and chances for advancement within hospitality chains.
- Specialty and Ethnic Restaurants: May offer varied compensation depending on reputation and demand for unique cuisines.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Hendersonville for Head Chefs
If you are exploring related career paths to the role of Head Chef, here are some options that align closely with this profession:
These include Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager, encompassing roles that involve advanced culinary leadership, kitchen oversight, and operational management.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in Hendersonville
Head Chefs should be knowledgeable about labor standards and tax responsibilities in Tennessee to ensure compliance and fair working conditions.
- For details on Tennessee state labor laws, visit the official government website.
- Federal labor regulations and workplace rights can be explored through the U.S. Department of Labor.