HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$161,406/yr
Typical range: $162,442 – $192,590
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in San Francisco
Executive Chef Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $96,844 | $8,070 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $115,674 | $9,640 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $128,228 | $10,686 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $139,885 | $11,657 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $161,406 | $13,451 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $177,547 | $14,796 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $181,582 | $15,132 | +87% |
Current Salary
$161,406
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $78/hr
Next Level Target
$177,547
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Executive Chef salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $161K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $161K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $78/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Executive Chef in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in San Francisco, CA earns $162K–$193K/yr.