Entertainment, tech, aerospace — sprawling and high-paying. Here's how Chef / Head Cooks in Los Angeles get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Los Angeles metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $63,400 | $48,300 | $82,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $78,900 | $60,000 | $102,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $90,700 | $69,000 | $117,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $108,800 | $82,800 | $141,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $123,300 | $93,800 | $160,300 |
Highest-paying metros for Chef / Head Cooks — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Los Angeles metro economy.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in the Los Angeles metro is $90,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $69,000 to $117,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $149,700 or more.
Yes — Los Angeles pays -6% relative to the California 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.
Los Angeles vs. national: +34%. That puts Los Angeles among the stronger US markets for Chef / Head Cooks — though cost of living in Los Angeles is also typically elevated.
In Los Angeles, the median Chef / Head Cook salary of $90,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Chef / Head Cooks in Los Angeles start around $63,400, while seniors (10+ years) reach $108,800 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.
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