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Chef Salary in Visalia, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Visalia's cost of living (index: 100). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chef Salary in Visalia β€” Key Numbers

$58,920
Median Salary
$42,850
25th Percentile
$80,580
75th Percentile
$105,720
90th Percentile
National median (Chef)$58,920
vs. National median+0.0%
Visalia median household income$61,800
vs. City household income-4.7%

Cost of Living in Visalia

Cost of Living Index
100(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,200/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.4%
Annual rent cost$14,400
Median Home Price$320,000
Home Price / Salary5.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$64,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.4 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 Visalia

7.2%
Unemployment Rate
480,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
30.8
Median Age

Visalia has a metro population of 480,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 7.2% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chef make in Visalia, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Chef in Visalia is $58,920 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $58,920 adjusted by Visalia's cost of living index (100). The typical salary range runs from $42,850 (25th percentile) to $80,580 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $105,720.

Is Visalia affordable for a Chef?

On a $58,920 annual salary, a Chef in Visalia would spend approximately 24.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,200/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Visalia relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $320,000 is 5.4Γ— the annual salary.

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

Visalia's median household income is $61,800. A Chef earning the city-adjusted median of $58,920 earns 4.7% less than the typical Visalia household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Visalia 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.