HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Executive Chef Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$79,273/yr
Typical range: $76,895 – $91,166
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $79,273 | $6,606 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $94,687 | $7,891 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,963 | $8,747 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $114,505 | $9,542 | +44% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,121 | $11,010 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $145,333 | $12,111 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $148,636 | $12,386 | +87% |
Current Salary
$79,273
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $38/hr
Next Level Target
$94,687
Junior · 2
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Executive Chef salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Executive Chefs in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $79K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Executive Chef make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $79K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $38/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC earns $133K–$158K/yr.