HospitalityOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Executive Chef Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$134,586/yr
Typical range: $135,450 – $160,588
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $80,752 | $6,729 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $96,453 | $8,038 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $106,921 | $8,910 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $116,641 | $9,720 | +44% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $134,586 | $11,216 | +67% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $148,045 | $12,337 | +83% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $151,409 | $12,617 | +87% |
Current Salary
$134,586
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $65/hr
Next Level Target
$148,045
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 Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Executive Chefs in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $135K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $135K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $65/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $135K–$161K/yr.