Chef / Head Cook salaries in San Francisco range from $40,600 to $130,500 in 2026. The mid-level median is $71,050, which is 45% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$40,600 – $55,100
Median: $47,850 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$58,000 – $84,100
Median: $71,050 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$89,900 – $130,500
Median: $110,200 · per year
Estimate your earning potential based on role, location, and experience.
Estimated Chef / Head Cook Salary in San Francisco, CA
Estimated†Median: $90,625 per year (adjusted for San Francisco cost of living)
Junior
$47,850
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$71,050
3-5 yrs
Senior
$110,200
6+ yrs
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $71,050 | very high |
| 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 |