Head Chef Salary in St George, UT
Head Chefs in St George, UT, in 2025, earn approximately $23.00 per hour, which translates to about $920.00 per week, $3,986.67 per month, and $47,840.00 per year.
The demand for Head Chefs in St George is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook and increasing opportunities in the culinary and hospitality sectors in the region.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in St George, UT?
The salary of a Head Chef in St George varies with experience, skill level, and the type of establishment, but here is an overview across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.65 | $626.00 | $2,703.33 | $32,520.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.27 | $890.80 | $3,842.53 | $46,321.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $36.99 | $1,479.60 | $6,397.87 | $76,899.20 |
Do Head Chefs in St George Earn Tips?
Typically, Head Chefs do not earn tips directly, as tipping mostly goes to front-of-house staff. However, in some establishments, Head Chefs might receive occasional bonuses or profit-sharing, but tips are generally not a reliable part of their income.
Head Chef Salary in St George vs. National Average
Nationally, Head Chefs earn an average of about $23.00 per hour and $47,840.00 per year.
In St George, UT, Head Chefs earn salaries very close to the national average, with the mid-level hourly wage at $22.27, which reflects the local cost of living and market demand.
Highest-Paying Areas Near St George for Head Chefs
Nearby areas offer slightly different pay rates for Head Chefs:
- Downtown St. George: $24.50 per hour
- Green Valley: $23.00 per hour
Head Chefs working in Downtown St. George see slightly higher hourly wages compared to Green Valley, likely influenced by the type of dining establishments and clientele.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in St George?
Several factors affect the salary of a Head Chef in St George:
- Experience and Culinary Skills: More experienced Head Chefs with excellent cooking and leadership skills command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants and hotels generally offer better salaries compared to casual or fast-casual dining venues.
- Location Within the City: Positions in higher-end or busy areas like Downtown may pay more due to higher customer volume and sophistication.
- Education and Certifications: Culinary degrees, ServSafe Certification, and credentials such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC) can enhance salary prospects.
- Management Responsibilities: Head Chefs who also manage staff, inventory, and menu planning tend to earn more.
How To Become a Head Chef in St George
Building a career as a Head Chef involves a combination of education, experience, and certification.
- Complete Culinary Training: Consider enrolling in a Culinary Arts Program such as the one at Southwest Technical College in nearby Cedar City. This program covers fundamental cooking techniques, menu planning, and food costing. It typically takes about 15 months at 15 hours per week.
- Earn Food Safety Certifications: Obtaining ServSafe Certification is important to demonstrate knowledge of proper food handling and sanitation.
- Achieve Advanced Certification: The Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential from the American Culinary Federation recognizes high culinary competence and managerial ability.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working your way up through kitchen roles like Commis Chef or Sous Chef builds the necessary skills and leadership experience.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in St George
If you are looking for employment as a Head Chef, consider these notable employers in St George:
- Cliffside Restaurant
- The Painted Pony
- Cappeletti’s
- Viva Chicken
- Wood Ash Rye
Establishments That Head Chefs in St George Work At
Head Chefs typically work across various types of dining establishments, and each type influences salary levels differently.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These establishments often offer the highest salaries due to the complex menus and high customer expectations.
- Casual and Fast-Casual Restaurants: While these venues may pay less than fine dining, they still provide valuable experience and steady work.
- Hotels and Resorts: Larger operations can offer better pay and benefits, along with more diverse culinary challenges.
- Banquet and Catering Services: Event-based kitchens require Head Chefs to manage large-scale food production, sometimes offering competitive wages.
The prestige and clientele of the venue often determine the earning potential for a Head Chef.
Related Hospitality Jobs in St George for Head Chefs
Professionals interested in career paths similar to Head Chef can explore related roles within the hospitality industry.
These include Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Restaurant Manager, roles that often overlap in duties and offer varying salary ranges.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in St George
Head Chefs working in St George should be aware of the federal, state, and local labor laws and tax obligations.
- For federal labor regulations, consult the U.S. Department of Labor.
- The Utah Department of Workforce Services provides information specific to state employment laws and workforce resources.
- The City of St. George official website offers local insights and employment-related updates.