New Jersey ranks 7th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $11,540 — a 17% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $53,250 to $99,510 — a $46,260 spread, 23% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Chefs and Head Cooks are more concentrated in New Jersey than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.21 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.21× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $53,250 | $25.60 |
| 25th percentile | $62,400 | $30.00 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $69,660 | $33.49 |
| 75th percentile | $83,240 | $40.02 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,510 | $47.84 |
| Mean (average) | $75,020 | $36.07 |
How New Jersey Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (current) | $69,660 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +17% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +14% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +10% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +6% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +2% |
| Washington | $69,800 | +0% |
| California | $66,780 | -4% |
| Delaware | $65,290 | -6% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Jersey
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $69,800 | 10,680 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,190 | 5,760 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $70,420 | 3,140 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $70,430 | 840 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $68,620 | 8,360 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $71,180 | 15,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in New Jersey?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in New Jersey is $75,020 per year. The median (middle) salary is $69,660 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in New Jersey typically earn around $53,250 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $62,400 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in New Jersey?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Jersey make approximately $99,510 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $83,240 per year.
How does the New Jersey Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in New Jersey is $69,660, which is +14% above national average of $60,990.