How Chef / Head Cooks in South Carolina get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical South Carolina compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $41,700 | $31,700 | $54,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $51,800 | $39,400 | $67,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $59,600 | $45,300 | $77,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $71,500 | $54,300 | $93,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $81,000 | $61,600 | $105,400 |
Top occupations by median pay in South Carolina — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in South Carolina
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in South Carolina is $59,600 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $45,300 and the 75th at $77,500.
Pay-wise, South Carolina sits -12% below the national Chef / Head Cook median ($67,700). Wages run below the national median, but cost of living is often correspondingly lower; net purchasing power may be similar to higher-paying states.
Senior Chef / Head Cooks (10–14 years of experience) in South Carolina earn around $71,500 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $81,000 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), South Carolina ranks 36th for Chef / Head Cook pay. The highest-paying state pays around $98,200 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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