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Chef Salary in Massachusetts: Is It a Good Career?

Massachusetts · 2026 BLS salary data

a Chef pay in Massachusetts

The median wage is $69,540/yr — 11% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Massachusettsranks #11 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Massachusetts

Real BLS state-level figures for Chef.

Median salary
$69,540/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$54,120 – $83,050
National median
$62,470/yr
Employed in Massachusetts
6,000

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Massachusetts

Salary alone can mislead — Massachusetts costs 6% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
105.8
Nominal median
$69,540
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $65,728
State income tax
Up to 9%

Massachusetts's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #18 of 51, down from #11 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do chef professionals make in Massachusetts?

The median annual wage is $69,540 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $54,120 and $83,050. That's 11% above the national median.

Is Massachusetts a good state for chef?

By raw pay, Massachusetts ranks #11 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Massachusetts costs 6% more than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $65,728. Massachusetts's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #18 of 51, down from #11 on raw salary.

Are chef professionals in demand in Massachusetts?

About 6,000 people work in this field in Massachusetts (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +7.1% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Chef nationally — Massachusetts pay is 11% above the national median. See the full a Chef career guide →

The verdict

It depends on your why — being a chef is creative and passion-driven with faster-than-average growth, but the reality is long hours, high stress, modest early pay, and a tough lifestyle. Worth it if you love the craft; not if you're chasing money or balance.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Creative, passion-driven work
  • Faster-than-average projected growth
  • Culinary school is optional — many rise through the line
  • Clear path to head chef, ownership, or media
  • Tangible, immediate results

Cons

  • Long, late hours including weekends/holidays
  • High-stress, physically demanding kitchens
  • Modest pay until you reach head-chef roles
  • High burnout and turnover
  • Tough work-life balance

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People genuinely passionate about food and craft
  • Those who thrive under pressure
  • Anyone aiming to own a restaurant or brand

✗ Probably not if…

  • People prioritizing pay and balance
  • Those who dislike high-stress, late-hour work

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Chef is worth it — titles link to the original threads.