Head Chef Salary in Wilmington, NC
Head Chefs in Wilmington, NC, in 2026, earn approximately $27.62 per hour, which translates to about $1,104.80 per week, $4,787.47 per month, and $57,449.60 per year.
The demand for Head Chefs in Wilmington is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job prospects and a healthy need for culinary leadership in the local hospitality industry.
How Much Does a Head Chef Make in Wilmington, NC?
The salary of a Head Chef in Wilmington varies based on experience, skills, and the type of establishment. Below is an overview of earnings at different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $20.68 | $827.20 | $3,578.93 | $42,950.40 |
| Mid-level (average) | $27.62 | $1,104.80 | $4,787.47 | $57,449.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $36.88 | $1,475.20 | $6,366.13 | $76,710.40 |
Do Head Chefs in Wilmington Earn Tips?
Head Chefs typically do not earn tips because their role focuses on kitchen management and food preparation rather than direct customer service. Their earnings are primarily salary-based.
Head Chef Salary in Wilmington vs. National Average
Across the United States, the average Head Chef earns about $28.84 per hour, equating to approximately $59,987.20 per year.
Compared to the national average, Head Chefs in Wilmington make slightly less than the average hourly wage but remain competitive with local economic factors in mind.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Wilmington for Head Chef
Nearby areas offer varying salaries for Head Chefs, including:
- Downtown Wilmington: $28.50 per hour
- Wrightsville Beach: $29.00 per hour
These nearby locations offer Head Chefs the opportunity to earn slightly higher pay than many other parts of Wilmington.
What Influences a Head Chef’s Salary in Wilmington?
Several factors can impact how much a Head Chef earns in Wilmington, NC:
- Experience and Expertise: More experienced chefs with proven leadership tend to command higher salaries.
- Skill Set: Culinary skills, menu development, and kitchen management abilities raise earning potential.
- Type and Size of Establishment: Working in upscale restaurants or hotels often comes with better pay compared to casual dining spots.
- Certifications and Education: Holding certifications like ServSafe Food Protection Manager or Certified Executive Chef can enhance salary prospects.
- Work Hours and Shift Complexity: Overnight or holiday shifts might offer wage premiums.
How To Become a Head Chef in Wilmington
Becoming a Head Chef in Wilmington involves a combination of education, certifications, and practical experience:
- Formal Culinary Training: Pursuing programs such as Cape Fear Community College Culinary Arts Program prepares candidates with essential cooking techniques, kitchen management skills, and food safety knowledge.
- Specialized Courses: For pastry skills or dessert-focused roles, Cape Fear Community College Baking and Pastry Arts Program offers targeted education.
- Food Safety Certification: Obtaining the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is critical for compliance with health standards and improves employment prospects.
- Professional Credentials: Earning the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential through the American Culinary Federation demonstrates high culinary and managerial competence.
- Gain Experience: Starting as a line cook or sous chef allows aspiring Head Chefs to build skills before advancing.
Top Employers Hiring Head Chefs in Wilmington
Several prominent employers in Wilmington are hiring Head Chefs, including:
- The Felix Cafe
- Taco Bell
- Local Independent Restaurants
Establishments That Head Chefs in Wilmington Work At
Head Chefs in Wilmington commonly work at diverse food service establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These offer steady work and moderate salaries, with opportunities for chef creativity.
- Fast Casual Chains: Work here is often fast-paced with standardized menus, usually resulting in moderate pay.
- Hotels and Resorts: These establishments tend to offer higher pay and benefits due to larger scale operations.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Often provide the highest salaries for Head Chefs due to elevated skill demands and customer expectations.
The type of establishment influences both salary and career growth possibilities for a Head Chef.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Wilmington for Head Chefs
If you are interested in careers related to Head Chef, consider these similar roles that share many responsibilities and skills.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Head Chefs in Wilmington
Head Chefs should be familiar with labor laws and tax obligations relevant to Wilmington, NC:
- Useful federal labor law information can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- For state-specific labor laws and wage standards, visit the North Carolina Department of Labor site.
- Information about local regulations, business licenses, and health inspections is available at the City of Wilmington website.