Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Kentucky | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,220 | $60,990 | -27.5% vs US |
| State Rank | #50 of 54 states | ||
| Employment | 1,860 jobs | 182,320 jobs | 1.0% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $27,110 | $13.03 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,090 | $15.91 |
| Median | $44,220 | $21.26 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,320 | $30.92 |
| 90th Percentile | $87,550 | $42.09 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky in 2026?
With a median salary of $44,220 in Kentucky and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +7.1%, chefs and head cooks are still in strong and growing demand.
How can chefs and head cooks increase their salary in Kentucky?
Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Kentucky currently ranks #50 out of 54 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $101,300 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $101,300 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $90,560 |
How are Chefs and Head Cooks paid in Kentucky compared to the national average?
The median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Kentucky is $44,220, which is 27.5% below the national median of $60,990.