Position
Salary

How much does a Culinary Specialist make?

The average salary for a Culinary Specialist is $38,896 per year in the US.

A Culinary Specialist often works in restaurants, hotels, and schools. They cook and prepare meals for people. They can earn different salaries based on experience and location. On average, Culinary Specialists make about $38,896 a year. This means they earn close to $3,241 a month.


Some Culinary Specialists earn less, while others earn more. The lowest-paid specialists make around $30,500 a year. This means they earn about $2,542 a month. The highest-paid specialists make up to $75,000 a year. That's around $6,250 a month. Most specialists fall somewhere in between these amounts. They earn from $34,545 to $50,727 a year.

View Culinary Specialist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Culinary Specialist?

Seattle, WA, stands out for culinary specialists with an average salary of $59,022. This high pay reflects the city's strong food industry and vibrant dining scene. Honolulu, HI, follows closely with an average salary of $57,968, making it another excellent choice for those in the culinary field. Boston, MA, offers competitive wages as well, with culinary specialists earning around $57,428 on average. Los Angeles, CA, provides a dynamic culinary environment, where specialists earn about $50,623 annually. Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA, also offer attractive salaries, making them viable options for culinary professionals seeking higher earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Culinary Specialist jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $59,022 and Cincinnati, OH with the lowest at $42,950.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $59,022
    Seattle offers a vibrant culinary scene. Working here means creating meals for a diverse range of people. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon provide opportunities.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $57,968
    In Honolulu, culinary work brings unique flavors to the table. The island's fresh ingredients enhance the dining experience. Restaurants and hotels frequently need skilled chefs.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Honolulu, HI


  3. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $57,428
    Boston has a rich culinary history. Cooks here craft traditional and modern dishes. Iconic spots like the Quincy Market offer exciting prospects.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Boston, MA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $50,623
    Los Angeles is known for its diverse food culture. Culinary specialists here innovate with a variety of flavors. Famous restaurants and food trucks look for talented chefs.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $48,237
    In Washington, DC, the culinary world thrives. Cooks prepare meals for a global audience. Government and embassy dining require expert culinary skills.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Washington, DC


  6. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $45,425
    San Diego offers a laid-back yet sophisticated dining scene. Culinary specialists here enjoy fresh seafood and diverse cuisines. Beaches and tourist spots need skilled chefs.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in San Diego, CA


  7. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $44,923
    Phoenix has a growing culinary market. Cooks create dishes that appeal to a wide audience. Restaurants and food chains look for creative culinary talent.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  8. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $43,900
    Denver’s culinary scene values local ingredients. Cooks here prepare meals that reflect the region's rich food culture. Outdoor dining spots need skilled chefs.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Denver, CO


  9. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $43,397
    Chicago offers a dynamic culinary landscape. Cooks here master various cuisines. Famous spots like the Magnificent Mile need experienced chefs.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $42,950
    Cincinnati has a strong food heritage. Culinary specialists here create classic dishes with a modern twist. Local eateries and breweries seek skilled cooks.
    Find Culinary Specialist jobs in Cincinnati, OH

What are the best companies a Culinary Specialist can work for?

Oakmont Senior Living leads as one of the best-paying companies for Culinary Specialist jobs, offering an average salary of $87,500. Delaware North also provides a competitive salary, averaging $44,986. Monarch Healthcare Management offers an average of $42,825, making it another good option for culinary professionals. Consider exploring these companies for attractive salary packages. Sweetgreen and HEB also offer good compensation for culinary specialists, making them worthy of consideration in your job search.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Culinary Specialist jobs, highlighting Oakmont Senior Living with the highest at $87,500 and Aramark with the lowest at $34,614.
  1. Oakmont Senior Living
    Average Salary: $87,500
    Oakmont Senior Living offers Culinary Specialist jobs with a focus on creating delicious meals for seniors. They operate in various locations across the U.S., providing opportunities for chefs to work in different communities.


  2. Delaware North
    Average Salary: $44,986
    Delaware North provides exciting Culinary Specialist jobs, serving a wide range of customers at sports venues, airports, and more. This company has locations nationwide, offering diverse culinary experiences.


  3. Monarch Healthcare Management
    Average Salary: $42,825
    Monarch Healthcare Management offers Culinary Specialist jobs with a focus on quality dining for residents. They operate in various states, providing chefs with opportunities to work in different settings.


  4. Sur La Table
    Average Salary: $42,585
    Sur La Table offers Culinary Specialist jobs where chefs can work in culinary arts and teaching. This company has locations across the U.S., allowing chefs to engage with cooking enthusiasts.


  5. CSC Generation
    Average Salary: $42,215
    CSC Generation provides Culinary Specialist jobs in various settings, from corporate to event catering. They operate in multiple locations, offering diverse culinary opportunities.


  6. FLIK Hospitality Group
    Average Salary: $38,556
    FLIK Hospitality Group offers Culinary Specialist jobs with a focus on providing delicious meals in their dining locations. They operate in various cities, offering chefs a range of culinary experiences.


  7. Sweetgreen
    Average Salary: $37,308
    Sweetgreen offers Culinary Specialist jobs with a focus on creating healthy and delicious meals. This company has locations in many cities, allowing chefs to work in a vibrant environment.


  8. SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging
    Average Salary: $36,000
    SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging provides Culinary Specialist jobs with a focus on senior dining. They operate in specific regions, offering chefs a chance to work with an older demographic.


  9. HEB
    Average Salary: $35,341
    HEB offers Culinary Specialist jobs in their culinary departments and cooking classes. They operate in Texas, providing chefs with opportunities in a dynamic environment.


  10. Aramark
    Average Salary: $34,614
    Aramark provides Culinary Specialist jobs in various settings, from corporate to event catering. They operate nationwide, offering diverse culinary opportunities for chefs.

How to earn more as a Culinary Specialist?

A Culinary Specialist can find ways to increase earnings through various avenues. Specialization in a niche area of cuisine can lead to higher pay. For example, mastering French pastries or Italian cuisine opens up opportunities for premium-priced menu items. Networking with other culinary professionals can lead to job offers that pay more. Attending industry events or joining culinary associations can provide these networking opportunities.

Gaining certifications can also boost income. Certifications from reputable culinary schools or professional organizations add credibility and skill recognition. These credentials can make a Culinary Specialist more attractive to employers willing to pay a premium. Continuous education and skill improvement remain vital. Keeping up with the latest culinary trends and techniques can make a specialist more valuable. This ongoing learning can lead to higher-paying positions.

Currently 263 Culinary Specialist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Culinary Specialist in the US?

Learn what a Culinary Specialist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Culinary Specialist today.
Position
Overview
Culinary Specialist
263 Job Openings