Head Chef Salary in Memphis, TN
Head Chefs in Memphis, TN, in 2025, earn approximately $36.69 per hour, which translates to about $1,467.60 per week, $6,359.60 per month, and $76,315.20 per year.
The demand for Head Chefs in Memphis is growing at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy and expanding market for skilled culinary leaders in the region.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in Memphis, TN?
The salary of a Head Chef in Memphis varies by experience and skill level. Below is an overview of typical earnings at different stages of a Head Chef's career.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $33.24 | $1,329.60 | $5,754.13 | $69,050.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $36.69 | $1,467.60 | $6,359.60 | $76,315.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $40.20 | $1,608.00 | $6,944.00 | $83,616.00 |
Do Head Chefs in Memphis Earn Tips?
Head Chefs in Memphis generally do not earn tips as their role focuses on kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their earnings mainly come from their salary.
Head Chef Salary in Memphis, TN vs. National Average
Nationally, Head Chefs earn an average of around $30.74 per hour, translating to about $63,939.20 per year.
Compared to the national average, Head Chefs in Memphis earn significantly more, at roughly $36.69 per hour and $76,315.20 annually. This reflects Memphis’s competitive culinary market and demand for talented Head Chefs.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Memphis for Head Chefs
Nearby areas offering higher salaries for Head Chefs include:
- Downtown Memphis: $38.00 per hour
- East Memphis: $37.50 per hour
Head Chefs working in Downtown Memphis tend to earn the highest wages, benefiting from a vibrant restaurant scene and upscale dining establishments.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in Memphis?
Several key factors contribute to the salary variations among Head Chefs in Memphis:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced Head Chefs with a proven track record often command higher salaries.
- Culinary Skills and Specializations: Mastery in specific cuisines or advanced cooking techniques can increase earning potential.
- Type and Size of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and catering companies tend to offer higher wages than casual dining places.
- Management Responsibilities: Head Chefs who oversee larger teams and multiple kitchen operations may earn more.
- Certifications and Education: Formal culinary training and certifications can improve salary prospects.
How To Become a Head Chef in Memphis, TN
Becoming a Head Chef in Memphis generally involves several critical steps:
- Culinary Education: Enroll in reputable institutions such as L'Ecole Culinaire, a culinary school in Memphis offering comprehensive programs in culinary arts with hands-on training and externships, or Southwest Tennessee Community College's Culinary Arts Program, which provides an Associate degree focusing on cooking and kitchen management.
- Obtain Food Safety Certifications: The ServSafe Food Manager Certification is nationally recognized and often required for Head Chefs to ensure safe food handling practices.
- Advanced Culinary Certification: Earning credentials like the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) from the American Culinary Federation can enhance professionalism and career opportunities.
- Gain Practical Experience: Starting in roles such as line cook or sous chef and progressing to kitchen supervisor helps develop essential skills and leadership qualities.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in Memphis, TN
Notable restaurants and establishments often seeking skilled Head Chefs in Memphis include:
- Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
- Charles Vergos' Rendezvous
- The Grey Canary
Establishments That Head Chefs in Memphis Work At
Head Chefs in Memphis typically find employment in a variety of food service settings, including:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Offering higher pay due to demanding culinary standards and clientele expectations.
- Hotels and Resort Kitchens: Providing opportunities with structured management and benefits.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: May offer lower salaries but valuable experience for career growth.
- Catering Companies and Event Venues: Often require versatile skills and allow for varied earning potential.
The type of establishment heavily influences salary, with upscale and specialized venues typically paying more.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Memphis, TN for Head Chefs
Those interested in similar career paths to Head Chef might consider the following roles, which share related responsibilities and skills:
These include Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager positions, reflecting overlapping culinary leadership roles.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in Memphis, TN
It is important for Head Chefs to understand the labor laws and tax regulations applicable in Memphis and Tennessee.
- For state-specific workforce regulations, visit the State of Tennessee's official website for labor laws and workforce regulations.
- For federal labor laws and guidelines, consult the U.S. Department of Labor's official website.