Chef salary in Montana
A strong career option in Montana — with programs that take 6 months to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$57,470/ yr
$4,789 / mo · $27.63 / hr
↓ $5,000 below the national median ($62,470)
Pay by experience
Entry
$38,189
Median
$57,470
Experienced
$80,184
Demand
Moderate
Program length
6 months to 4 years
Projected growth
+7.1%
Annual openings
24,400
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Montana compares to the national wage trend
Montana median
$57,470
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
- Chef (entry-level)$38,189
- Chef (mid-career)$57,470
- Chef (experienced)$80,184
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$38,189
- Median salary$57,470
- Experienced salary$80,184
At an entry wage of $38,189, most Chefs break even on the $6,820 training investment in about 3 months of work.
How to become a Chef in Montana
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Chef program in Montana
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 Montana.
Get hired in Montana
With roughly 24,400 Chef openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Montana.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Chef in Montana is $57,470 per year, which is $27.63 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $38,189 while experienced Chefs can earn up to $80,184 annually.
Next step
Find Chef Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Chef classes in your area.