Chef Salary Calculator
Instantly estimate your annual and monthly chef earnings in the UK based on role, experience, location, and service charge. Free, accurate tool for hospitality professionals.
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Enter your current role, experience, and working conditions to get an instant, personalised evaluation of your estimated annual and hourly chef salary.
Chef Details
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Earnings Evaluation
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Average UK Chef Salaries by Role
Estimated average base salaries for different chef roles in the UK (2026 estimates, excluding tips/tronc).
| Chef Role | Rest of UK (Avg) | London (Avg) | Career Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis Chef | £22,000 | £26,000 | Entry Level |
| Chef de Partie (CDP) | £26,000 | £31,000 | Junior / Mid |
| Sous Chef | £32,000 | £38,000 | Mid / Senior |
| Head Chef | £40,000 | £48,000 | Senior Management |
| Executive Chef | £55,000+ | £65,000+ | Executive / Multi-site |
Chef Salary FAQ
Everything you need to know about chef wages, tronc, and career progression in the UK.
A chef’s salary in the UK is primarily influenced by their rank (e.g., Commis, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Head Chef), years of experience, geographic location (London wages are typically 15-25% higher), and the type of establishment (e.g., Michelin-starred, pub, hotel, or contract catering).
Tips and service charge (tronc) can significantly boost a chef’s take-home pay. In busy establishments, this can add anywhere from £30 to £150+ per week to your base salary, depending on the venue’s turnover and tronc distribution policy.
Yes. Due to the higher cost of living and increased demand, chef salaries in London typically carry a ‘London weighting’ of 15% to 25% higher than equivalent roles in the rest of the UK.
The standard progression moves from Commis Chef to Chef de Partie (CDP), then to Junior Sous, Sous Chef, Head Chef, and finally Executive Chef or Chef Patron. Each step up the brigade typically brings a substantial increase in base salary and responsibility.