Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in District of Columbia
Chefs and Head Cooks in District of Columbia earn a median of $76,420 a year, +22% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $76,420
- vs. U.S. median
- +22% ($62,470)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 2,020
Pay range in District of Columbia
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,570; the top 10% earn over $104,660. Nationally the range is $37,900 to $98,560.
States ranked near District of Columbia
Similar jobs in District of Columbia
- Food Service Managers$81,680 median in District of Columbia
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$57,170 median in District of Columbia
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$47,950 median in District of Columbia
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$45,450 median in District of Columbia
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$48,760 median in District of Columbia
- Cooks, Restaurant$46,130 median in District of Columbia
Chefs and Head Cooks pay in District of Columbia
How much do chefs and head cooks make in District of Columbia?
The median is $76,420 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,570 and the top 10% earn over $104,660. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is District of Columbia a good state for chefs and head cooks?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 51 (+22% vs. the national median of $62,470). Living costs are not included.