📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$54,560
per year
Median
$46,974
per year
Hourly
$26.23
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$32,466
25th Percentile — Junior$44,132
50th Percentile — Median$46,974
75th Percentile — Senior$70,379
90th Percentile — Top Earners$80,847
💡 Top-earning Chefs and Head Cookss in South Carolina make up to $80,847 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$44.8k
2021
$46.6k
2022
$48.5k
2023
$50.4k
2024
$52.5k
2025
$54.6k
2026
📈 Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 4.0% annual growth. The strong presence in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $54,560 +0% Medium
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Chefs and Head Cooks Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Chefs and Head Cookss. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $54,560 per year, South Carolina's Chefs and Head Cooks salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $32,466–$44,132, while experienced Chefs and Head Cookss can command $70,379–$80,847.

Looking ahead, the Chefs and Head Cooks profession in South Carolina is projected to grow at 4.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in South Carolina is $54,560 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $62,000.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Chefs and Head Cookss the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Chefs and Head Cooks employment.
  • At $54,560/year, South Carolina Chefs and Head Cooks salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $62,000/year.