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Chef Salary in Reno, NV β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Reno's cost of living (index: 112). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Reno β€” Key Numbers

$65,990
Median Salary
$47,992
25th Percentile
$90,250
75th Percentile
$118,406
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median+12.0%
Reno median household income$67,400
vs. City household income-2.1%

Cost of Living in Reno

Cost of Living Index
112(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,294/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.5%
Annual rent cost$15,528
Median Home Price$465,000
Home Price / Salary7.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$93,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.0 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 Reno

4.6%
Unemployment Rate
490,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
36.9
Median Age

Reno has a metro population of 490,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Chef Salary β€” Other Nevada Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Reno, NV?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Reno is $65,990 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Reno's cost of living index (112). The typical salary range runs from $47,992 (25th percentile) to $90,250 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $118,406.

Is Reno affordable for a Chef?

On a $65,990 annual salary, a Chef in Reno would spend approximately 23.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,294/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Reno relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $465,000 is 7.0Γ— the annual salary.

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

Reno's median household income is $67,400. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $65,990 earns 2.1% less than the typical Reno household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Reno 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.