Chef salary in Georgia
A strong career option in Georgia — with programs that take 6 months to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$66,230/ yr
$5,519 / mo · $31.84 / hr
↑ $3,760 above the national median ($62,470)
Pay by experience
Entry
$43,306
Median
$66,230
Experienced
$100,963
Demand
Moderate
Program length
6 months to 4 years
Projected growth
+7.1%
Annual openings
24,400
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Georgia compares to the national wage trend
Georgia median
$66,230
2025 national
$62,470
2024 national
$60,990
↑ +2.4% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+7.1% projected growth through 2034
24,400 average annual openings nationwide for Chefs.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$6,820
- Time to complete6 months to 4 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$43,306
- Median salary$66,230
- Experienced salary$100,963
At an entry wage of $43,306, most Chefs break even on the $6,820 training investment in about 2 months of work.
How to become a Chef in Georgia
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Chef program in Georgia
Browse certified training programs. Most Chef tracks complete in 6 months to 4 years and average $6,820 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in Georgia.
Get hired in Georgia
With roughly 24,400 Chef openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Georgia.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Chef in Georgia is $66,230 per year, which is $31.84 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $43,306 while experienced Chefs can earn up to $100,963 annually.
Next step
Find Chef Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Chef classes in your area.