HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$106,322/yr
Typical range: $107,005 – $126,864
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in Austin
Executive Chef Salary Progression in Austin
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 | $63,793 | $5,316 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $76,198 | $6,350 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $84,467 | $7,039 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $92,146 | $7,679 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $106,322 | $8,860 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $116,955 | $9,746 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $119,613 | $9,968 | +88% |
Current Salary
$106,322
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $51/hr
Next Level Target
$116,955
Principal · 14
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Executive Chef salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Austin, TX earn approximately $106K 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 Austin, TX?
Based on $106K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $51/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Executive Chef in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Austin, TX earns $107K–$127K/yr.