Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, chefs continue to be one of the most sought-after occupations in the United States. Chefs work in diverse settings across the country, not just in culinary hotspots like California or the South. With the rise of food culture, the demand for skilled culinary professionals has only intensified.
To help aspiring chefs navigate their career paths, we at Zippia analyzed where chefs can find the best opportunities—states with ample job openings and competitive salaries throughout their careers.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we evaluated the best states for chefs based on job availability and compensation. After thorough analysis, we present the top ten states for culinary professionals in 2026:
Here it is—the top state for chefs is Nevada.
Wondering how we determined this ranking? Let’s delve into our research methodology for identifying the best states for chefs and explore the details of the top ten.
How We Determined the Best States for Chefs
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse array of job seekers, and our research suggests two primary factors that matter most to them:
- Job availability
- Salary
To identify the best states for chefs, we analyzed job availability and salary data. Our criteria included information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location Quotient: A measure of how prevalent a job is in a given state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
We standardized salary data to account for cost of living variances among states. For instance, while the average salary for chefs in California is $45,810, the same figure in Illinois could provide a higher purchasing power due to lower living costs.
To develop an overall ranking, we assigned each state a score for each criterion from 1 to 50, where 1 represents the best. We then averaged these scores, with the state having the lowest overall Job Score recognized as the best state for chefs.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each state a great place for chefs.
1. Nevada
Total Jobs: 3,400
Average Annual Salary: $51,380
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,670
Average Experienced Salary: $77,470
Location Quotient: 2.94
2. Florida
Total Jobs: 7,800
Average Annual Salary: $54,820
Average Entry Level Salary: $30,280
Average Experienced Salary: $85,280
Location Quotient: 1.05
3. Rhode Island
Total Jobs: 610
Average Annual Salary: $53,480
Average Entry Level Salary: $32,580
Average Experienced Salary: $76,950
Location Quotient: 1.38
4. New Jersey
Total Jobs: 3,690
Average Annual Salary: $58,200
Average Entry Level Salary: $34,190
Average Experienced Salary: $82,040
Location Quotient: 1.01
5. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 280
Average Annual Salary: $46,750
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,790
Average Experienced Salary: $63,760
Location Quotient: 1.05
6. Kentucky
Total Jobs: 750
Average Annual Salary: $45,970
Average Entry Level Salary: $29,520
Average Experienced Salary: $71,020
Location Quotient: 0.43
7. Massachusetts
Total Jobs: 4,510
Average Annual Salary: $55,840
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,730
Average Experienced Salary: $83,270
Location Quotient: 1.42
8. West Virginia
Total Jobs: 330
Average Annual Salary: $49,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $27,580
Average Experienced Salary: $69,810
Location Quotient: 0.49
9. Vermont
Total Jobs: 290
Average Annual Salary: $46,310
Average Entry Level Salary: $32,620
Average Experienced Salary: $71,370
Location Quotient: 1.03
10. Ohio
Total Jobs: 3,300
Average Annual Salary: $44,170
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,610
Average Experienced Salary: $68,740
Location Quotient: 0.67
There You Have It
If you’re considering starting your career as a chef, these states should be at the top of your list. Expect competitive salaries, job availability, and ample opportunities for career growth.
Additionally, here are the states that rank the lowest when it comes to opportunities for chefs:
Detailed List Of The Best States For Chefs
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | $51,380 |
| 2 | Florida | $54,820 |
| 3 | Rhode Island | $53,480 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $58,200 |
| 5 | Wyoming | $46,750 |
| 6 | Kentucky | $45,970 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $55,840 |
| 8 | West Virginia | $49,100 |
| 9 | Vermont | $46,310 |
| 10 | Ohio | $44,170 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
