Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New Jersey
Chefs and Head Cooks in New Jersey earn a median of $74,280 a year, +19% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $74,280
- vs. U.S. median
- +19% ($62,470)
- Rank among states
- 6 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 9,100
Pay range in New Jersey
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $49,200; the top 10% earn over $100,100. Nationally the range is $37,900 to $98,560.
States ranked near New Jersey
Similar jobs in New Jersey
- Food Service Managers$78,020 median in New Jersey
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$48,420 median in New Jersey
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$55,170 median in New Jersey
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$44,520 median in New Jersey
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$38,540 median in New Jersey
- Cooks, Restaurant$38,460 median in New Jersey
Chefs and Head Cooks pay in New Jersey
How much do chefs and head cooks make in New Jersey?
The median is $74,280 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $49,200 and the top 10% earn over $100,100. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is New Jersey a good state for chefs and head cooks?
On pay alone it ranks 6 of 51 (+19% vs. the national median of $62,470). Living costs are not included.