Fortune 500 hub (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth). Here's how Chef / Head Cooks in Minneapolis get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Minneapolis metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $52,700 | $40,000 | $68,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $65,500 | $49,700 | $85,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $75,300 | $57,200 | $97,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $90,300 | $68,600 | $117,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $102,400 | $77,700 | $133,100 |
Highest-paying metros for Chef / Head Cooks — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Minneapolis metro economy.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in the Minneapolis metro is $75,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $57,200 to $97,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $124,200 or more.
Yes — Minneapolis pays +3% relative to the Minnesota 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.
Minneapolis vs. national: +11%. That puts Minneapolis among the stronger US markets for Chef / Head Cooks — though cost of living in Minneapolis is also typically elevated.
In Minneapolis, the median Chef / Head Cook salary of $75,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Chef / Head Cooks in Minneapolis start around $52,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $90,300 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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