HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$126,790/yr
Typical range: $127,603 – $151,285
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in Seattle
Executive Chef Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $76,074 | $6,340 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $90,866 | $7,572 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $100,727 | $8,394 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $109,884 | $9,157 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $126,790 | $10,566 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $139,469 | $11,622 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $142,638 | $11,887 | +87% |
Current Salary
$126,790
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$139,469
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Seattle, WA earn approximately $127K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $127K 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 Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Seattle, WA earns $128K–$151K/yr.