Answers · UK 2025/26

What is a chef's salary and take-home pay in the UK?

UK chefs typically earn around £28,000 a year, though this varies widely by role and establishment, from commis chefs on close to minimum wage up to head chefs earning £40,000 or more. On a £28,000 salary in 2026/27, take-home pay after Income Tax (£3,086) and National Insurance (£1,234.40) is £23,679.60 a year, or about £1,973.30 a month.

Last updated: 3 July 2026Last reviewed: 3 July 2026How we verify

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Chef salaries in the UK vary enormously by seniority and establishment, from commis and demi chefs earning close to the National Living Wage, through chef de partie and sous chef roles typically in the high £20,000s to low £30,000s, up to head chefs and executive chefs who can earn £40,000 to £60,000 or more, especially in fine dining. Taking a representative sous chef or chef de partie salary of £28,000 for 2026/27: taxable income after the £12,570 Personal Allowance is £15,430, taxed entirely at the 20% basic rate, giving £3,086 Income Tax. National Insurance is 8% of £15,430 = £1,234.40. Combined deductions of £4,320.40 leave £23,679.60 take-home a year, around £1,973.30 a month. Many chefs also receive a share of tips or a service charge distribution, which is subject to Income Tax and, depending on how it is paid (via a tronc scheme or directly by the employer), may or may not attract National Insurance -- tips paid through an independently-run tronc scheme are generally NI-free, which is a meaningful difference from basic salary.