Head Chef Salary in McKinney, TX
Head Chefs in McKinney, TX, in 2026, earn approximately $26.90 per hour, which translates to about $1,076.00 per week, $4,662.67 per month, and $55,952.00 per year.
The demand for Head Chefs in McKinney is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job prospects and increasing opportunities in the culinary industry within the area.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in McKinney, TX?
The salary of a Head Chef in McKinney can vary based on experience and skill level; below is a breakdown by experience tier.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $22.90 | $916.00 | $3,966.67 | $47,632.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $26.90 | $1,076.00 | $4,662.67 | $55,952.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.50 | $1,260.00 | $5,445.00 | $65,520.00 |
Do Head Chefs in McKinney Earn Tips?
Head Chefs typically do not earn tips, as their compensation is largely salary-based due to their leadership role in kitchen management and food preparation, with minimal direct customer interaction.
Head Chef Salary in McKinney vs. National Average
Nationally, Head Chefs earn an average of around $30.90 per hour, translating to about $64,272 per year.
Compared to the national average, Head Chefs in McKinney earn a slightly lower rate at $26.90 per hour and $55,952 annually. This difference may reflect regional cost-of-living variations and market demand in the area.
Highest-Paying Areas Near McKinney for Head Chefs
Nearby areas that offer competitive salaries for Head Chefs include:
- Downtown McKinney: $28.50 per hour
- Craig Ranch: $27.80 per hour
Head Chefs working in Downtown McKinney can expect somewhat higher wages than in surrounding neighborhoods.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in McKinney?
Several factors can impact a Head Chef's earnings:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced chefs with refined culinary techniques tend to command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants often pay more than casual or fast-casual eateries.
- Leadership and Management Abilities: Expertise in managing kitchen staff and operations increases earning potential.
- Educational Background: Formal culinary education or certifications boost a chef’s credentials and pay.
- Work Hours and Shift Types: Night shifts or high-demand periods may offer premium wages.
How To Become a Head Chef in McKinney
To pursue a career as a Head Chef in McKinney, consider these steps:
- Gain Culinary Training: Enroll in programs such as the Collin College Culinary Arts Program in nearby Frisco, offering Level 1 Certificate and Associate degrees, accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
- Advanced Certifications: Consider certifications from the Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Education at Collin College for specialized culinary and food safety training.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtain a Food Protection Manager Certification like ServSafe, demonstrating competence in managing food safety.
- Certified Culinarian: Pursue the Certified Culinarian (CC) credential from the American Culinary Federation to validate culinary skills and readiness for leadership roles.
- Work Experience: Build experience by working in varied kitchen roles to develop expertise and leadership capability.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in McKinney
Key employers in McKinney actively recruiting Head Chefs include:
- Tipsy Crawfish
- Village on the Park McKinney
- McDonald's
Establishments That Head Chefs in McKinney Work At
Head Chefs typically operate in various kitchen environments, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Usually offer the highest salaries due to upscale menu complexity and service standards.
- Casual Dining: These provide steady work with moderate pay, often with opportunities for advancement.
- Fast Casual and Chain Restaurants: Typically pay less but can offer consistent hours and structured career paths.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often compensate well, especially for chefs managing large scale or banquet kitchens.
The type of establishment heavily influences the Head Chef’s salary through factors like clientele, kitchen size, and culinary expectations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in McKinney for Head Chefs
Those interested in roles similar to Head Chef may explore related careers offering different responsibilities and salary levels.
This includes positions like Executive Chef, Chef, and Kitchen Manager which encompass leadership and culinary responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in McKinney
Head Chefs must be aware of relevant labor laws and tax requirements at federal, state, and local levels.
- Visit the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive information on workplace rights and compliance.
- The Texas Workforce Commission site provides state-specific employment laws and resources.
- For local regulations in McKinney, consult the McKinney city government website.