Pennsylvania ranks 25th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $21,570 — a 36% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $39,880 to $90,210 — a $50,330 spread, 16% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Pennsylvania employs roughly 3.9% of all chefs and head cooks in the country (7,060 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $39,880 | $19.18 |
| 25th percentile | $46,230 | $22.23 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,630 | $28.67 |
| 75th percentile | $74,530 | $35.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $90,210 | $43.37 |
| Mean (average) | $62,500 | $30.05 |
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (current) | $59,630 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +36% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +33% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +29% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +24% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +20% |
| Washington | $69,800 | +17% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | +17% |
| California | $66,780 | +12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,590 | 1,990 |
| Tool and Die Makers | $59,540 | 2,910 |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $59,790 | 4,000 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $59,260 | 9,260 |
| Carpenters | $59,240 | 29,900 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $59,240 | 2,980 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Pennsylvania?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in Pennsylvania is $62,500 per year. The median (middle) salary is $59,630 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in Pennsylvania typically earn around $39,880 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,230 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Pennsylvania?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Pennsylvania make approximately $90,210 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $74,530 per year.
How does the Pennsylvania Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in Pennsylvania is $59,630, which is -2% below national average of $60,990.