HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$138,301/yr
Typical range: $139,189 – $165,021
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Executive Chef salary by experience level in Seattle
Executive Chef Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $82,981 | $6,915 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $99,116 | $8,260 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,873 | $9,156 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $119,861 | $9,988 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $138,301 | $11,525 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $152,131 | $12,678 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $155,589 | $12,966 | +87% |
Current Salary
$138,301
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$152,131
Principal · 14
+$14Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Executive Chef salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Seattle, WA earn approximately $138K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $138K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Executive Chef in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Seattle, WA earns $139K–$165K/yr.