Chef / Head Cook Salary in Columbus, OH
Chef / Head Cook salaries in Columbus range from $28,000 to $90,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $49,000, which is 0% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$28,000 – $38,000
Median: $33,000 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$40,000 – $58,000
Median: $49,000 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$62,000 – $90,000
Median: $76,000 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Chef / Head Cook Salary in Columbus, OH
Estimated†$51,000–$74,000/year
Median: $62,500 per year (adjusted for Columbus cost of living)
Junior
$33,000
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$49,000
3-5 yrs
Senior
$76,000
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Columbus
Cost of Living Levelmoderate
Population910K
Top IndustriesInsurance & Financial Services, Technology, Education
vs National Average+0%
Top Employers in Columbus
Nationwide InsuranceOhio State UniversityJPMorgan ChaseCardinal HealthHonda North America
How Columbus Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $49,000 | moderate |
| New York, NY | $71,050 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $71,050 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $58,800 | high |
| Houston, TX | $49,000 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $49,000 | moderate |