What a Private Chef Really Costs in the US (2026 Rates)
Realistic 2026 compensation ranges for private chefs across Miami, Palm Beach, New York, the Hamptons, Aspen and Beverly Hills.
22 de julho de 2026 · 6 min read
Base ranges by market
- **Miami / Palm Beach:** $110,000–$170,000 base for a private chef; $170,000–$240,000 for an executive chef running a formal kitchen
- **New York / Hamptons:** $130,000–$200,000 base; $200,000–$300,000 for executive chefs with formal dinner service
- **Aspen (ski season):** $140,000–$220,000 season-loaded, plus housing
- **Beverly Hills / Bel Air:** $140,000–$220,000 base; talent-adjacent households often add on-call premiums
What drives the number up
- Formal plated service for 8+ guests weekly
- Dietary discipline (macrobiotic, plant-forward, medically prescribed)
- Multi-residence coordination and travel days
- Certifications: CIA/ICE credential, sommelier training, allergy management
What drives it down
- Family-only meals, limited entertaining
- Single-residence assignments
- Shared kitchen with a household manager
Benefits and full package
Health, dental and vision are standard. 401(k) match is increasingly expected at the executive-chef level. Housing is standard for Aspen and Hamptons seasonal roles.
Timing a chef search
Six to ten weeks for a private chef, eight to fourteen for an executive chef. Start earlier for a season-driven residence.