If you’re looking to start working as a Chef, or you’re a Chef who’s looking to relocate, the city you find work in will play a huge role in your culinary career. Different cities offer different opportunities.
Major hubs like New York, Miami, Chicago and San Francisco, for example, offer great opportunities for Chefs who want to advance their careers and work in prestigious restaurants under the world’s greatest Executive Chefs.
Other places, such as Charleston and New Orleans, may not have the same opportunities, but their overall cost of living and long-standing culinary traditions can still make them attractive choices for aspiring Chefs.
That being said, let’s talk about the 20 best cities for Chefs to work in the U.S.
1. New York City, NY
It’s hard to make any type of list of the best places to work without mentioning New York City. New York City is a global culinary hub, making it one of the best destinations for aspiring and experienced Chefs to find work.
Thanks to its diverse population, New York provides Chefs opportunities to work in lots of establishments, from Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to food trucks that offer authentic dishes from all over the world.
However, New York has some of the highest costs of living and arguably the most competition in the workforce. Still, if you’re looking to prove yourself and are someone who thrives working under pressure, then you’ll probably see this as a challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow rather than an obstacle.
Average Chef Salary in New York State: $68,410 per year
2. Miami, FL
Miami is another culinary hub that offers many opportunities. Aspiring Chefs working in Miami will have the pleasure of learning different cuisines, the most notable of which are Latin American and Caribbean. They’ll have the chance to experiment with bold flavors and local ingredients.
Miami is an extremely popular tourist spot, which means the demand for new and qualified Chefs is always there. The diverse culinary scene gives everyone many different opportunities, whether it’s working in an upscale restaurant on South Beach or a local eatery in Wynwood.
While the cost of living isn’t as high as it is in New York City, Miami isn’t exactly affordable either. Luckily, Florida is a tax-friendly state so even though you may not earn as much as you would in New York, you won’t have to pay state income tax on your salary.
Average Chef Salary in Florida: $61,880 per year
See Also: Paycheck Calculator
3. Chicago, IL
Although best known for the deep-dish Pizza, Chicago’s culinary scene offers much more. In fact, Chicago is home to some of the most renowned Chefs and restaurants. The focus of many restaurants is sustainability and the farm-to-table experience.
The food culture in Chicago is deeply rooted in its neighborhoods. As such, every place offers a unique culinary experience.
Although the taxes in Illinois total up to 24.27%, which is on the higher end, the cost of living in Chicago is significantly lower than in other places, mainly due to the cheaper rent.
Average Chef Salary in Illinois: $66,610 per year
4. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is known as the city of food lovers. The city is very close to the rich agricultural regions of California, providing easy access to fresh, seasonal ingredients. As such, San Francisco’s culinary scene is at the forefront of the farm-to-table experience and many Chefs are committed to sustainability and innovation.
Moreover, San Francisco is the home to molecular gastronomy and the iconic sourdough bread.
Just like Illinois, California taxes are on the higher end, totaling up to 25.28%. The cost of living is also some of the highest in the country. To compensate, Chefs in California earn some of the highest salaries.
Average Chef Salary in California: $67,150 per year
5. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans has a culinary tradition as rich as its history. While it’s mainly known for the Cajun and Creole cuisines, Chefs have the unique chance to combine French, African and Spanish cuisines as well.
Besides a rich culinary scene, New Orleans also has a rich festival and music scene. So, if you’re passionate about cooking and a fan of music, New Orleans might be the ideal place for you.
Some of the most iconic dishes that come from New Orleans are gumbo and jambalaya.
Average Chef Salary in Louisiana: $48,930 per year
6. Portland, OR
Portland is another city with a rich culinary history and tradition. It’s known for its food cart scene and commitment to organic, locally sourced ingredients. Chefs working in Portland can enjoy a good work-life balance without the high-pressure environment that most other big cities have.
Portland also has a very diverse population, meaning there’s a market for virtually any type of cuisine — from traditional American to international fusion.
And while Portland doesn’t have an iconic dish like some other cities do, you can enjoy a wide range of restaurants — from indoor dining and fine dining to food carts, patio dining and barbecue spots.
Average Chef Salary in Oregon: $58,160 per year
7. Austin, TX
Known for its Tex-Mex and rich barbecue scene, Austin is quickly becoming the go-to destination not just for Chefs but also for people working in the tech and entertainment industry.
As such, the demand for young professionals in the restaurant industry as a whole is higher than ever.
Austin is also known for its laid-back atmosphere and strong sense of community, making it a great place for Chefs to work closely with local producers and diners. The city has a growing number of restaurants and food trucks that provide the farm-to-table experience.
Average Chef Salary in Texas: $52,950 per year
See Also: Chef Demographics and Statistics
8. Seattle, WA
If you’re a fan of seafood, Seattle is the ideal destination for you. Salmon, oysters and Dungeness crabs are just some of the types of seafood that Seattle Sushi Chefs will have the pleasure of experimenting with to create delicious dishes.
Many restaurants in Seattle focus on sustainability, sourcing their ingredients from local fisheries and farms. That being said, although mainly known for the seafood, Seattle has a diverse food scene that allows different types of Chefs to experiment with many different cuisines.
On top of that, Washington State offers some of the most competitive salaries for Chefs.
Average Chef Salary in Washington State: $67,360 per year
9. Nashville, TN
Although Nashville is mainly known for its rich music scene, its food scene has also been growing lately. Nashville cuisine is slowly redefining Southern cuisine, offering everything from haute to hot chicken cuisine.
Besides a growing food scene, Nashville has a booming tourism industry and many people are relocating to live there. As such, the demand for exceptional dining experiences is also growing. This is mainly because Tennessee doesn’t impose an individual income tax on salaries and wages.
Average Chef Salary in Tennessee: $59,540 per year
10. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia has a deep connection to its culinary roots. While it’s mostly known for its Philly cheesesteak and soft pretzels (must-know for aspiring Bakers and Pastry Chefs), there’s much more to it than comfort food.
The number of farm-to-table restaurants and innovative dining concepts is ever-growing. As such, Chefs get to experiment with local and fresh ingredients to create delicious dishes that reflect the city’s diverse population and rich history.
Additionally, the city has a rich arts and music scene that makes it great for those who want to be a part of its dynamic and creative community.
Average Chef Salary in Pennsylvania: $64,940 per year
11. Denver, CO
Denver allows Chefs to cook using the best local produce in the entire country. This is due to its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, which supplies them with fresh, seasonal ingredients. From wild mushrooms to game meats, most restaurants embrace the farm-to-table dining experience.
While there aren’t any iconic dishes Denver is known for besides maybe green chili, which is not a dish by itself, it does have a rich burger scene, pizza scene and Mexican food scene.
Additionally, there are a handful of culinary events that happen throughout the year, such as Denver Restaurant Week, ¡Viva! Streets and A Taste of Colorado, Denver Food + Wine Festival, Slow Food Nations.
Average Chef Salary in Colorado: $70,130 per year
12. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is known as the city of indulgence, and the same goes for its food scene. It’s home to countless upscale restaurants and extravagant buffets. As such, it’s the ideal place for Chefs looking to work in some of the most luxurious kitchens under some of the most famous Head Chefs.
Year-round tourism means there’s always a need for Chefs who want to work in some of the best fine-dining restaurants in the world. The work environments are fast-paced and high-pressure, so if you want to push your boundaries, there aren’t many other places that can offer you that.
As the cherry on top, Nevada doesn’t have a state income tax, meaning you’ll take home more of your salary than in most other places.
Average Chef Salary in Nevada: $62,020 per year
See Also: How To Become a Chef
13. Boston, MA
Boston has a rich culinary tradition. While it’s mostly known for its seafood, particularly its lobster rolls and clam chowder, Chefs will also get the chance to work using fresh and local ingredients.
Boston’s many historic neighborhoods have their own culinary sub-traditions — from Irish in South Boston to Italian in North End, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Many restaurants source their ingredients from local fisheries and farms, providing an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Massachusetts is the third highest-paying state for Chefs in the U.S., which makes it an attractive destination for aspiring and experienced Chefs alike.
Average Chef Salary in Massachusetts: $77,120 per year
14. Charleston, SC
Charleston, known for its Lowcountry cuisine, is a city with a rich culinary heritage. From fresh seafood, rice and a mix of English, French and African influences, it offers something for all Chefs looking to preserve and push the boundaries of Southern cuisine.
Charleston’s historic district and diverse food scene make it a great destination for Chefs looking to become a part of a tight-knit community that values tradition and innovation.
Some of its most iconic dishes are the Frogmore stew, Gullah red rice and chicken bog.
Average Chef Salary in South Carolina: $55,240 per year
15. Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, just like Philadelphia, has a very diverse food scene, thanks to its diverse population. Chefs working in Minneapolis get the chance to work with fresh and locally sourced ingredients from the region’s rich agricultural grounds.
Just like Philly, Minneapolis also has a rich music and arts scene that makes it a great option for Chefs who want to immerse themselves in its creative and dynamic community.
Whether you want to work in a trendy food truck or a high-end restaurant, Minneapolis has it all.
Average Chef Salary in Minnesota: $60,550 per year
16. Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe offers Chefs the chance to master Native American, Mexican and Spanish dishes. The city’s food scene reflects its rich cultural heritage and gives Chefs the chance to work using unique ingredients sourced from Latin America to create delicious dishes that reflect the region’s traditions and history.
Some of the traditional dishes you can expect to learn how to Cook include the Green Chile Stew, the New Mexico enchilada, Chile Rellenos, and Calabacitas.
Santa Fe also has a thriving arts scene and a strong sense of community, making it a great place to live.
Average Chef Salary in New Mexico: $66,610 per year
17. Birmingham, AL
If you’re a fan of Southern comfort food and incredible barbecue, Birmingham is probably the ideal choice for you to work as a Chef.
Birmingham is a city with a rich culinary heritage, as well as a rich history with diverse cultural influences. On top of this, it also fosters a rich arts and music scene.
Some of its most popular southern and soul food recipes include fried green tomatoes, pecan pie, pulled pork, fried catfish and moon pies.
Average Chef Salary in Alabama: $64,310 per year
18. Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale’s food scene is known for being very eco-friendly and experimental. Many restaurants focus on using locally sourced ingredients from local farms that offer everything from unique desert plants to fresh citrus.
As such, many restaurants have unique, creative menus, allowing Chefs to experiment and try new things in a city that values good food.
On top of this, Scottsdale is in close proximity to Phoenix, so you’re always just a short ride away from a metropolitan city where you can enjoy the big city life.
Average Chef Salary in Arizona: $70,130 per year
See Also: Free Chef Resume Templates
19. Savannah, GA
You’ve not experienced Southern hospitality if you haven’t been to Savannah. The city has a deep connection to its culinary roots, offering some of the best Lowcountry cuisine you’ve ever tasted.
Savannah has one of the most picturesque historic districts and it houses a lively arts community that makes it a great place for Chefs to become a part of a place that values tradition and creativity.
Average Chef Salary in Georgia: $55,460 per year
20. Honolulu, HI
We saved Honolulu for last as we realize it’s the most inaccessible city on this list for Chefs to work at. However, it wouldn’t really be a list of the best cities for Chefs if we didn’t include it either.
Honolulu gives Chefs the chance to work with some of the most unique ingredients in the world. The city’s food scene is mainly influenced by its location in the Pacific. As such, the focus is on seafood and tropical fruits.
While Hawaii has its own traditional cuisine, it also takes from Asian cuisine as well. The city has a laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings that make it amazing for Chefs who want to enjoy a high quality of life while chasing their culinary goals.
Of course, the high cost of living and the remoteness make it just a distant dream for most.
Average Chef Salary in Hawaii: $99,520 per year
See Also: Comprehensive Chef Salary Guide
