RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Chefs and Head Cooks salary in Cincinnati, Ohio

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$55,660
Mean annual$58,760
Range (10th to 90th)$34,280 to $96,030
Cincinnati, Ohio employment1,140
State vs national-8.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Cincinnati chefs and head cooks fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$34,28025TH$43,920MEDIAN$55,66075TH$71,67090TH$96,030

The middle 50% of workers earn between $43,920 and $71,670, with a median of $55,660.

Typical entry

  • Education

    High school diploma

  • Experience

    5 years or more

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Food Production

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Administration and Management

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Coordination

    Technical

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.

  2. 02

    Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.

  3. 03

    Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.

  4. 04

    Check the quantity and quality of received products.

  5. 05

    Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.

  6. 06

    Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.

  7. 07

    Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.

  8. 08

    Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Chefs and Head Cooks

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in Ohio

How the Cincinnati metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for chefs and head cooks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Cincinnati, Ohio?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Cincinnati metropolitan area is $55,660.
Does Cincinnati pay more than the Ohio state average for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cincinnati metro median is -1.8% versus the Ohio state median of $56,700.
How does Cincinnati compare to the national median for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cincinnati metro median is -8.2% versus the BLS national figure of $60,610.
What is the salary range for Chefs and Head Cooks in Cincinnati?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $34,280 and the 90th-percentile at $96,030 for the Cincinnati metro area.
What education is required for Chefs and Head Cooks?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Cincinnati CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.