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Chef Salary in St. Petersburg, FL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for St. Petersburg's cost of living (index: 110). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in St. Petersburg β€” Key Numbers

$64,812
Median Salary
$47,135
25th Percentile
$88,638
75th Percentile
$116,292
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median+10.0%
St. Petersburg median household income$60,200
vs. City household income+7.7%

Cost of Living in St. Petersburg

Cost of Living Index
110(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.8%
Annual rent cost$18,000
Median Home Price$385,000
Home Price / Salary5.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$77,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.9 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 St. Petersburg

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
270,000
Metro Population
26 min
Avg Commute
40.5
Median Age

St. Petersburg has a metro population of 270,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.0% 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 St. Petersburg, FL?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in St. Petersburg is $64,812 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by St. Petersburg's cost of living index (110). The typical salary range runs from $47,135 (25th percentile) to $88,638 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $116,292.

Is St. Petersburg affordable for a Chef?

On a $64,812 annual salary, a Chef in St. Petersburg would spend approximately 27.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,500/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making St. Petersburg relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $385,000 is 5.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Chef's salary compare to St. Petersburg's overall income?

St. Petersburg's median household income is $60,200. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $64,812 earns 7.7% more than the typical St. Petersburg household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.