Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New Jersey (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for chefs and head cooks in New Jersey is $74,280 per year (gross, before tax) — 18.9% above the US national median of $62,470 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 9,000 people work in this occupation in New Jersey. Negotiating an offer in New Jersey? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
New Jersey Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $49,200 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $59,860 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $74,280 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $82,200 | Experienced |
| 90th | $100,100 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
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Start $1 Trial →How New Jersey Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $79,930 | +27.9% |
| Hawaii | $77,360 | +23.8% |
| District of Columbia | $76,420 | +22.3% |
| Washington | $76,010 | +21.7% |
| North Dakota | $74,740 | +19.6% |
| New Jersey | $74,280 | +18.9% |
| Wyoming | $73,170 | +17.1% |
| South Carolina | $71,860 | +15.0% |
| New York | $70,670 | +13.1% |
| Tennessee | $69,810 | +11.7% |
All states for chefs and head cooks →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in New Jersey? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in New Jersey · UK data for this occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a chefs and head cooks in New Jersey?
The median salary in New Jersey is $74,280 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $72,930.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the US national average?
New Jersey is 18.9% above the US national median of $62,470 for this occupation.
Which US state pays chefs and head cooks the most?
Rhode Island has the highest median pay for this occupation at $79,930 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25