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Chef Salary in Poughkeepsie, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Poughkeepsie's cost of living (index: 120). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Poughkeepsie β€” Key Numbers

$70,704
Median Salary
$51,420
25th Percentile
$96,696
75th Percentile
$126,864
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median+20.0%
Poughkeepsie median household income$72,400
vs. City household income-2.3%

Cost of Living in Poughkeepsie

Cost of Living Index
120(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,700/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio28.9%
Annual rent cost$20,400
Median Home Price$350,000
Home Price / Salary5.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$70,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.0 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 Poughkeepsie

4.1%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
38
Median Age

Poughkeepsie has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.1% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Poughkeepsie, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Poughkeepsie is $70,704 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Poughkeepsie's cost of living index (120). The typical salary range runs from $51,420 (25th percentile) to $96,696 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $126,864.

Is Poughkeepsie affordable for a Chef?

On a $70,704 annual salary, a Chef in Poughkeepsie would spend approximately 28.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,700/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $350,000 is 5.0Γ— the annual salary.

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

Poughkeepsie's median household income is $72,400. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $70,704 earns 2.3% less than the typical Poughkeepsie household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Poughkeepsie 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.