HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Executive Chef Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$117,931/yr
Typical range: $102,429 – $149,398
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in San Francisco
Executive Chef Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $89,067 | $7,422 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $106,385 | $8,865 | +19% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $117,931 | $9,828 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $128,652 | $10,721 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $148,445 | $12,370 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $163,289 | $13,607 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $167,000 | $13,917 | +87% |
Current Salary
$117,931
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $57/hr
Next Level Target
$128,652
Senior · 6
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Executive Chef salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Executive Chefs in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $118K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Executive Chef make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $118K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $57/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Executive Chef in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in San Francisco, CA earns $149K–$177K/yr.