Corporate HQs, no state income tax, fast-growing tech scene. Here's how Chef / Head Cooks in Dallas–Fort Worth get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $51,900 | $39,400 | $67,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $64,500 | $49,000 | $83,900 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $74,200 | $56,400 | $96,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $89,000 | $67,600 | $115,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $100,900 | $76,700 | $131,200 |
Highest-paying metros for Chef / Head Cooks — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Dallas–Fort Worth metro economy.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro is $74,200 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $56,400 to $96,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $122,400 or more.
Yes — Dallas–Fort Worth pays +2% relative to the Texas state median for Chef / Head Cooks. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Dallas–Fort Worth vs. national: +10%. That puts Dallas–Fort Worth among the stronger US markets for Chef / Head Cooks — though cost of living in Dallas–Fort Worth is also typically elevated.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the median Chef / Head Cook salary of $74,200 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Chef / Head Cooks in Dallas–Fort Worth start around $51,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $89,000 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
Get my personal salary report →