HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$131,263/yr
Typical range: $132,106 – $156,623
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Executive Chef Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $78,758 | $6,563 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,072 | $7,839 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,281 | $8,690 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $113,761 | $9,480 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $131,263 | $10,939 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $144,390 | $12,033 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $147,671 | $12,306 | +87% |
Current Salary
$131,263
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$144,390
Principal · 14
+$13Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Executive Chef salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $131K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $131K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Los Angeles, CA earns $132K–$157K/yr.