Stats2026-05-10

What's the Salary Gap Between Chef Levels in India? Junior to Head Chef Pay Scale

Understanding chef salary structures helps you budget better and retain talent. In India, kitchen staff salaries vary widely based on experience, city, and restaurant type. A junior chef or commis typically earns 15,000-25,000 per month in tier-2 cities, while the same role in Mumbai or Delhi ranges from 20,000-35,000.

Chef de Partie (CDP) salaries jump to 30,000-50,000, while Sous Chefs command 45,000-80,000 depending on cuisine expertise. Head chefs at established restaurants earn 80,000-1,50,000+, with fine dining and hotel properties paying premium rates. Note that a cook (without formal training) typically earns 12,000-20,000, significantly less than certified chefs.

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