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Chef Salary in Allentown, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Allentown's cost of living (index: 98). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Allentown β€” Key Numbers

$57,742
Median Salary
$41,993
25th Percentile
$78,968
75th Percentile
$103,606
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median-2.0%
Allentown median household income$62,000
vs. City household income-6.9%

Cost of Living in Allentown

Cost of Living Index
98(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,200/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.9%
Annual rent cost$14,400
Median Home Price$285,000
Home Price / Salary4.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$57,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.9 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Allentown

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
830,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
37.1
Median Age

Allentown has a metro population of 830,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Allentown, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Allentown is $57,742 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Allentown's cost of living index (98). The typical salary range runs from $41,993 (25th percentile) to $78,968 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $103,606.

Is Allentown affordable for a Chef?

On a $57,742 annual salary, a Chef in Allentown would spend approximately 24.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,200/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Allentown relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $285,000 is 4.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Chef's salary compare to Allentown's overall income?

Allentown's median household income is $62,000. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $57,742 earns 6.9% less than the typical Allentown household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Allentown has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.