Chef / Head Cook Salary in Washington, DC
Chef / Head Cook salaries in Washington 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
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Chef / Head Cook Salary in Washington, DC
Estimated†$73,950–$107,300/year
Median: $90,625 per year (adjusted for Washington cost of living)
Junior
$47,850
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$71,050
3-5 yrs
Senior
$110,200
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Washington
Cost of Living Levelvery high
Population690K
Top IndustriesGovernment & Defense Contracting, Cybersecurity, Consulting
vs National Average+45%
Top Employers in Washington
Booz Allen HamiltonDeloitteCACI InternationalMedStar HealthCapital One
How Washington Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $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 |