Chefs and Head Cooks pay in Cincinnati
In Cincinnati (OH), the median pay for chefs and head cooks is $27.22 an hour ($56,620 a year). About 1,060 people work in this job there.
That is 9% lower than the U.S. median ($62,470). It is 5% higher than the Ohio median ($53,990).
Pay range for chefs and head cooks in Cincinnati (OH)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $18.39 | $38,240 |
| 25% of workers | $22.26 | $46,300 |
| Half of workers (median) | $27.22 | $56,620 |
| 75% of workers | $35.64 | $74,130 |
| 90% of workers | $40.20 | $83,610 |
Chefs and Head Cooks pay in Ohio metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Sandusky | $67,190 | 60 |
| Columbus | $59,830 | 750 |
| Cleveland | $57,020 | 930 |
| Cincinnati (this page) | $56,620 | 1,060 |
| Akron | $55,060 | 220 |
| Youngstown-Warren | $53,570 | 120 |
| Toledo | $50,790 | 220 |
| Canton-Massillon | $49,730 | 110 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | $47,580 | 210 |
| Lima | $45,270 | 30 |
Ohio unemployment rate: 3.3% (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 Cincinnati (OH)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Waiters and Waitresses | $36,530 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,030 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $38,370 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $37,180 |
| Food Service Managers | $64,320 |
| Food Batchmakers | $47,470 |
| Bakers | $35,970 |
Other job titles for this job
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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.