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Chef Salary in Jacksonville, FL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Jacksonville's cost of living (index: 96). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Jacksonville β€” Key Numbers

$56,563
Median Salary
$41,136
25th Percentile
$77,357
75th Percentile
$101,491
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median-4.0%
Jacksonville median household income$61,400
vs. City household income-7.9%

Cost of Living in Jacksonville

Cost of Living Index
96(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,098/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.3%
Annual rent cost$13,176
Median Home Price$310,000
Home Price / Salary5.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$62,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.5 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 Jacksonville

3.3%
Unemployment Rate
1,590,000
Metro Population
27 min
Avg Commute
37.2
Median Age

Jacksonville has a metro population of 1,590,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.3% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Jacksonville, FL?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Jacksonville is $56,563 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Jacksonville's cost of living index (96). The typical salary range runs from $41,136 (25th percentile) to $77,357 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $101,491.

Is Jacksonville affordable for a Chef?

On a $56,563 annual salary, a Chef in Jacksonville would spend approximately 23.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,098/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Jacksonville relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $310,000 is 5.5Γ— the annual salary.

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

Jacksonville's median household income is $61,400. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $56,563 earns 7.9% less than the typical Jacksonville household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Jacksonville 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.