Tennessee ranks 27th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $21,730 — a 37% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $40,810 to $87,010 — a $46,200 spread, 23% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.70 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.43× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $40,810 | $19.62 |
| 25th percentile | $49,390 | $23.74 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,470 | $28.59 |
| 75th percentile | $72,920 | $35.06 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,010 | $41.83 |
| Mean (average) | $62,210 | $29.91 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $59,470 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +37% |
| 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 Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $59,460 | 2,920 |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $59,420 | 2,050 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $59,410 | 13,780 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $59,380 | 2,430 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $59,590 | 2,300 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,700 | 2,290 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Tennessee?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in Tennessee is $62,210 per year. The median (middle) salary is $59,470 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Tennessee?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $40,810 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $49,390 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $87,010 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $72,920 per year.
How does the Tennessee Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in Tennessee is $59,470, which is -2% below national average of $60,990.