HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years

Senior Executive Chef Salary in Washington DC

2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.

$114,505/yr

Typical range: $132,969 $157,647

P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Executive Chef Salary Progression in Washington DC

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$79,273$6,606
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$94,687$7,891+19%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$104,963$8,747+32%
SeniorThis page6 yrs6 yrs$114,505$9,542+44%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$132,121$11,010+67%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$145,333$12,111+83%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$148,636$12,386+87%
Current Salary
$114,505
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$132,121
Staff · 10
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the senior Executive Chef salary in Washington DC, DC?

Senior Executive Chefs in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $115K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a senior Executive Chef make per hour in Washington DC, DC?

Based on $115K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from senior to senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Executive Chef in Washington DC, DC earns $133K–$158K/yr.