How does a Chef's salary in Springfield compare to the rest of Massachusetts?

Springfield's cost of living index is 98 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $57,742 earns $3,542 more than the median household income in Springfield ($54,200).

Chef Salary in Springfield, MA — 2026 Guide

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

Chef Salary in Springfield — 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%

Springfield median household income$54,200

vs. City household income+6.5%

Cost of Living in Springfield

Cost of Living Index

98(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,150/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio23.9%

Annual rent cost$13,800

Median Home Price$275,000

Home Price / Salary4.8×

20% Down Payment$55,000

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 Springfield

4.8%

Unemployment Rate

700,000

Metro Population

24 min

Avg Commute

37.8

Median Age

Springfield has a metro population of 700,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.8% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Springfield

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Cost of Living — Springfield

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Chef Salary in Massachusetts

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Springfield

Physician$224,714 Chief Executive Officer$205,800 Dentist$172,000 IT Manager$166,120 Marketing Manager$154,468 Lawyer$142,845

Chef Salary — Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA$95,450 Worcester, MA$68,347

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Springfield, MA?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Springfield is $57,742 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Springfield'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 Springfield affordable for a Chef?

On a $57,742 annual salary, a Chef in Springfield would spend approximately 23.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,150/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Springfield relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $275,000 is 4.8× the annual salary.

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

Springfield's median household income is $54,200. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $57,742 earns 6.5% more than the typical Springfield household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Chef — National Chef in Massachusetts 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.