Chefs Pay Data UK — 2025

Chefs roles in the UK earn a median of £29,760 per year, equivalent to £14.40 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 6.9% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £24,610 to £43,991 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Chefs roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Chefs

Chefs plan menus and prepare, or oversee the preparation of food in hotels, restaurants, clubs, private households and other establishments.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• requisitions or purchases and examines foodstuffs from suppliers to ensure quality
• plans menus, prepares, seasons and cooks foodstuffs or oversees their preparation and monitors the quality of finished dishes
• supervises, organises and instructs kitchen staff and manages the whole kitchen or an area of the kitchen
• ensures relevant hygiene and health and safety standards are maintained within the kitchen
• plans and co-ordinates kitchen work such as fetching, clearing and cleaning of equipment and utensils

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal academic requirements. Training is provided Off and on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs, BTEC Certificates and Diplomas and foundation degrees are available. Apprenticeships are also available. Courses are also run by private cookery schools.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.