District of Columbia ranks 4th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $7,200 — a 10% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $55,130 to $109,370 — a $54,240 spread, 10% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Chefs and Head Cooks are more concentrated in District of Columbia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.31 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.31× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $55,130 | $26.51 |
| 25th percentile | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $74,000 | $35.58 |
| 75th percentile | $84,710 | $40.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $109,370 | $52.58 |
| Mean (average) | $79,090 | $38.02 |
How District of Columbia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (current) | $74,000 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +10% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +7% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +4% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | -4% |
| Washington | $69,800 | -6% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | -6% |
| California | $66,780 | -10% |
| Delaware | $65,290 | -12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising Sales Agents | $74,170 | 270 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $74,410 | 310 |
| Billing and Posting Clerks | $74,560 | 550 |
| Physicians, All Other | $74,650 | 2,620 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $74,800 | 90 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $74,930 | 250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in District of Columbia?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in District of Columbia is $79,090 per year. The median (middle) salary is $74,000 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in District of Columbia typically earn around $55,130 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $61,770 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in District of Columbia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in District of Columbia make approximately $109,370 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $84,710 per year.
How does the District of Columbia Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in District of Columbia is $74,000, which is +21% above national average of $60,990.