Fast-growing Sun Belt city, semiconductors (TSMC, Intel). Here's how Chef / Head Cooks in Phoenix get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Phoenix metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $49,000 | $37,200 | $63,600 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $60,900 | $46,200 | $79,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $70,000 | $53,200 | $91,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $84,000 | $63,800 | $109,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $95,200 | $72,300 | $123,700 |
Highest-paying metros for Chef / Head Cooks — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Phoenix metro economy.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in the Phoenix metro is $70,000 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $53,200 to $91,000 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $115,500 or more.
Yes — Phoenix pays +2% relative to the Arizona 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.
Phoenix vs. national: +3%. Phoenix 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 Phoenix, the median Chef / Head Cook salary of $70,000 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Chef / Head Cooks in Phoenix start around $49,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $84,000 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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