Healthcare HQs (HCA), music, tech relocation. Here's how Chef / Head Cooks in Nashville get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Nashville metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $44,900 | $34,100 | $58,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $55,800 | $42,400 | $72,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $64,200 | $48,800 | $83,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $77,000 | $58,500 | $100,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $87,300 | $66,300 | $113,400 |
Highest-paying metros for Chef / Head Cooks — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Nashville metro economy.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in the Nashville metro is $64,200 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $48,800 to $83,400 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $105,900 or more.
Yes — Nashville pays +5% relative to the Tennessee 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.
Nashville vs. national: -5%. Nashville pays roughly in line with the national average for Chef / Head Cooks. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Nashville, the median Chef / Head Cook salary of $64,200 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Chef / Head Cooks in Nashville start around $44,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $77,000 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.
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