Chefs and Head Cooks pay in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
In Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (MD), the median pay for chefs and head cooks is $28.50 an hour ($59,290 a year). About 1,740 people work in this job there.
That is 5% lower than the U.S. median ($62,470). It is 4% lower than the Maryland median ($61,590).
Pay range for chefs and head cooks in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (MD)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $18.15 | $37,760 |
| 25% of workers | $21.18 | $44,060 |
| Half of workers (median) | $28.50 | $59,290 |
| 75% of workers | $37.33 | $77,640 |
| 90% of workers | $44.99 | $93,580 |
Chefs and Head Cooks pay in Maryland metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | $59,510 | 40 |
| Salisbury | $59,470 | 50 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (this page) | $59,290 | 1,740 |
| Lexington Park | $58,820 | 80 |
Maryland unemployment rate: 4.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for chefs and head cooks
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Experience usually needed to start: 5 years or more (BLS)
- Job outlook: +6.6% over ten years, faster than average · about 25,200 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson (MD)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Waiters and Waitresses | $36,170 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $38,760 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $37,420 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $36,460 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $39,310 |
| Bakers | $36,590 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.