Chef / Head Cook Salary in Tucson, AZ
Chef / Head Cook salaries in Tucson range from $23,800 to $76,500 in 2026. The mid-level median is $41,650, which is 15% below the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$23,800 – $32,300
Median: $28,050 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$34,000 – $49,300
Median: $41,650 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$52,700 – $76,500
Median: $64,600 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Chef / Head Cook Salary in Tucson, AZ
Estimated†$43,350–$62,900/year
Median: $53,125 per year (adjusted for Tucson cost of living)
Junior
$28,050
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$41,650
3-5 yrs
Senior
$64,600
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Tucson
Cost of Living Levellow
Population545K
Top IndustriesAerospace & Defense, Optics & Photonics, Healthcare
vs National Average-15%
Top Employers in Tucson
Raytheon Missiles & DefenseUniversity of ArizonaDavis-Monthan Air Force BaseBanner HealthTexas Instruments
How Tucson Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $41,650 | low |
| 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 |