How does a Chef's salary in Newark compare to the rest of New Jersey?

Newark's cost of living index is 140 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $82,488 earns $45,288 more than the median household income in Newark ($37,200).

Chef Salary in Newark, NJ — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Newark's cost of living (index: 140). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Newark — Key Numbers

$82,488

Median Salary

$59,990

25th Percentile

$112,812

75th Percentile

$148,008

90th Percentile

National median (Chef)$58,920

vs. National median+40.0%

Newark median household income$37,200

vs. City household income+121.7%

Cost of Living in Newark

Cost of Living Index

140(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,800/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio26.2%

Annual rent cost$21,600

Median Home Price$395,000

Home Price / Salary4.8×

20% Down Payment$79,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.8 yrs

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

Job Market in Newark

6.1%

Unemployment Rate

310,000

Metro Population

33 min

Avg Commute

33.4

Median Age

Newark has a metro population of 310,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 6.1% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Financial Calculators for Newark

💰

Take-Home Pay Calculator

See your net pay on $82,488/yr

⏱️

Salary to Hourly

Convert $82,488/yr to hourly rate

🏙️

Cost of Living — Newark

Compare Newark to other cities

🏠

Rent vs. Buy in Newark

Is buying worth it on your salary?

📊

Budget Planner

Plan your budget in Newark

🗺️

Chef Salary in New Jersey

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Newark

Physician$321,020 Chief Executive Officer$294,000 Dentist$245,714 IT Manager$237,314 Marketing Manager$220,668 Lawyer$204,064

Chef Salary — Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ$91,326 Trenton, NJ$60,688

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Newark, NJ?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Newark is $82,488 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Newark's cost of living index (140). The typical salary range runs from $59,990 (25th percentile) to $112,812 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $148,008.

Is Newark affordable for a Chef?

On a $82,488 annual salary, a Chef in Newark would spend approximately 26.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,800/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Newark relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $395,000 is 4.8× the annual salary.

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

Newark's median household income is $37,200. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $82,488 earns 121.7% more than the typical Newark household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Chef — National Chef in New Jersey All Salary Guides

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.