HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$128,741/yr
Typical range: $129,567 – $153,613
P90 · 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 | $77,244 | $6,437 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $92,264 | $7,689 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $102,277 | $8,523 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $111,575 | $9,298 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $128,741 | $10,728 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $141,615 | $11,801 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $144,833 | $12,069 | +88% |
Current Salary
$128,741
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$141,615
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 San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $129K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $130K–$154K/yr.