Salary distribution
Where Salt Lake City chefs and head cooks fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $27,930 and $61,770, with a median of $42,740.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Food Production
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 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
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
- 02
Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
- 03
Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
- 04
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
- 05
Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
- 06
Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.
- 07
Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
- 08
Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Salt Lake City, Utah?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chefs and Head Cooks in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area is $42,740.
- Does Salt Lake City pay more than the Utah state average for Chefs and Head Cooks?
- The Salt Lake City metro median is -3.9% versus the Utah state median of $44,490.
- How does Salt Lake City compare to the national median for Chefs and Head Cooks?
- The Salt Lake City metro median is -29.5% versus the BLS national figure of $60,610.
- What is the salary range for Chefs and Head Cooks in Salt Lake City?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $27,110 and the 90th-percentile at $80,010 for the Salt Lake City 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Salt Lake City 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.