Pharma, education, healthcare — historic East Coast hub. Here's how Chef / Head Cooks in Philadelphia get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Philadelphia metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $50,800 | $38,600 | $66,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $63,100 | $48,000 | $82,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $72,600 | $55,200 | $94,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $87,100 | $66,200 | $113,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $98,700 | $75,000 | $128,300 |
Highest-paying metros for Chef / Head Cooks — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Philadelphia metro economy.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in the Philadelphia metro is $72,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $55,200 to $94,400 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $119,800 or more.
Yes — Philadelphia pays +3% relative to the Pennsylvania 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.
Philadelphia vs. national: +7%. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, the median Chef / Head Cook salary of $72,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Chef / Head Cooks in Philadelphia start around $50,800, while seniors (10+ years) reach $87,100 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 →