HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Executive Chef Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$77,596/yr
Typical range: $75,268 – $89,237
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in Washington DC
Executive Chef Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $77,596 | $6,466 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $92,684 | $7,724 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $102,743 | $8,562 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $112,083 | $9,340 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $129,326 | $10,777 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $142,259 | $11,855 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $145,492 | $12,124 | +87% |
Current Salary
$77,596
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $37/hr
Next Level Target
$92,684
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Executive Chef salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Executive Chefs in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $78K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Executive Chef make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $78K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $37/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC earns $130K–$154K/yr.