HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$125,842/yr
Typical range: $126,649 – $150,154
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Executive Chef Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $75,505 | $6,292 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $90,186 | $7,516 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $99,974 | $8,331 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $109,063 | $9,089 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $125,842 | $10,487 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $138,426 | $11,536 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $141,572 | $11,798 | +88% |
Current Salary
$125,842
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$138,426
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Executive Chef salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $126K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Executive Chef make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $126K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Executive Chef in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Los Angeles, CA earns $127K–$150K/yr.