HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$131,738/yr
Typical range: $132,584 – $157,190
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $79,043 | $6,587 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,413 | $7,868 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,659 | $8,722 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $114,173 | $9,514 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $131,738 | $10,978 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $144,912 | $12,076 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $148,206 | $12,351 | +88% |
Current Salary
$131,738
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$144,912
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $132K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $132K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC earns $133K–$157K/yr.