How to Become a Chefs and Head Cooks in New York
Chefs and Head Cooks in New York earn a median salary of $64,300/year, which is 5% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~4.6%. After taxes and rent, a chefs and head cooks takes home approximately $2,812/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.
What a chefs and head cooks can afford in New York
Becoming a chefs and head cooks in New York
Meet education requirements
Chefs and Head Cooks positions in New York typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across New York. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many chefs and head cooks positions in New York require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain New York licensure or certification
New York may require specific licensing or professional certification for chefs and head cookss. Requirements vary by state — contact the New York Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in New York
New York employs 15,420 chefs and head cooks. The highest concentrations are in New York-Newark-Jersey City and Buffalo-Cheektowaga.
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by metro area in New York
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $67K | $32/hr | 15,560 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | $66K | $31.7/hr | 740 |
| Kingston | $64K | $30.92/hr | 200 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $63K | $30.29/hr | 440 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $63K | $30.28/hr | 430 |
| Glens Falls | $63K | $30.17/hr | 80 |
| Binghamton | $62K | $29.71/hr | 100 |
| Syracuse | $61K | $29.34/hr | 340 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $61K | $29.27/hr | 60 |
| Rochester | $61K | $29.2/hr | 660 |
| Utica-Rome | $61K | $29.15/hr | 190 |
| Elmira | $61K | $29.12/hr | 50 |
| Ithaca | $57K | $27.58/hr | 80 |
Chefs and Head Cooks salary range in New York
Chefs and Head Cooks careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chefs and head cooks make in New York?▼
The median chefs and head cooks salary in New York is $64,300 per year ($30.91/hr). This is 5% above the national median of $60,990. Salaries range from $42,150 to $100,730.
What are the requirements to become a chefs and head cooks in New York?▼
Chefs and Head Cooks positions in New York typically require No formal educational credential. New York may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the New York licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a chefs and head cooks afford to live in New York?▼
At the median salary of $64,300, a chefs and head cooks in New York would take home approximately $4,224/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 33.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for chefs and head cooks in New York?▼
The highest paying metro areas for chefs and head cooks in New York are New York-Newark-Jersey City ($66,550), Buffalo-Cheektowaga ($65,930), Kingston ($64,320). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does New York have state income tax for chefs and head cooks?▼
Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.6%. On a $64,300 salary, this means roughly $2,932/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.