Chef/Head Cook in Knoxville, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Knoxville Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Knoxville’s culinary scene punches above its weight, but the paychecks reflect a moderate cost of living. For Chef/Head Cooks, the median salary is $59,046/year, which works out to an hourly rate of $28.39/hour. It’s a solid number for the region, sitting just below the national average of $60,350/year. The metro area supports 396 jobs for this role, with a 10-year job growth of 5%. That growth isn’t explosive, but it’s steady, driven by the city’s expanding dining scene and a growing population.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in Knoxville. These figures are based on local market data, factoring in our cost of living and the experience levels seen in popular establishments like the Old City’s farm-to-table spots or the upscale kitchens of West Knoxville.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Knoxville)	Typical Roles & Settings
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Line Cook, Sous Chef (smaller bistros, breakfast joints, first-time head cook at a cafe)
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	Sous Chef, Head Cook (mid-sized restaurants, hotel banquet kitchens, popular local chains)
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $80,000+	Chef de Cuisine, Executive Chef (fine dining, country clubs, large corporate dining)
Expert/Executive (15+ years)	$75,000 - $100,000+	Executive Chef, Corporate Chef (high-end resorts, large hospital systems, restaurant groups)

Insider Tip: Salary isn't just about title. A "Head Cook" at a popular brunch spot like the Old City’s Oyster Bar might make the median, while a "Chef de Cuisine" at a hotel like the Hyatt Regency Knoxville could see higher base pay with bonuses tied to banquet events. The $59,046 median is your best benchmark for a mid-career role in a standard full-service restaurant.

Comparison to Other TN Cities:
Knoxville’s food scene is vibrant, but salaries lag behind Nashville’s. In Music City, a Chef/Head Cook’s median is closer to $62,500, but the cost of living, especially rent, is significantly higher. Memphis offers similar pay to Knoxville (around $58,000), with a lower cost of living but a different market focus (more BBQ and soul food). Chattanooga is a closer competitor, with a median salary of about $57,000, but with a smaller job market (~300 jobs). For balance of pay, opportunity, and lifestyle, Knoxville is a strong choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what that $59,046 means for your bank account. Knoxville’s cost of living is 92.8% of the U.S. average—about 7% cheaper than the national norm. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single person earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Chef/Head Cook, $59,046 Annual Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,920	(59,046 / 12)
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$1,080	Approx. 22% effective rate for this bracket
Take-Home Pay	~$3,840	This is your actual paycheck
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,000	Knoxville's average 1BR rent
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220	Varies by season; summer AC is a big factor
Groceries	$400	A chef knows how to cook, but quality ingredients aren't cheap
Health Insurance	$250	If provided by employer, this could be lower
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400	Knoxville is car-dependent; public transport is limited
Miscellaneous (Phone, Debt, Fun)	$500	Eating out, gear, savings, etc.
Total Expenses	~$2,770
Monthly Surplus	~$1,070	Room for savings, but no major luxuries

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. With a ~$1,070 monthly surplus, saving for a down payment is possible. The median home price in Knoxville is around $315,000. A 20% down payment ($63,000) would take about 5 years of saving your entire surplus. More realistically, an FHA loan (3.5% down, $11,000) is achievable in 1-2 years. Your take-home pay of **$3,840** would qualify for a mortgage of about $1,600/month (using standard 28% debt-to-income ratio), which covers many starter homes in neighborhoods like Bearden or North Knoxville. The key is buying a modest home and not stretching your budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Knoxville's Major Employers

Knoxville’s culinary jobs aren’t just in standalone restaurants. The biggest employers offer stability, benefits, and often a more predictable schedule than a busy dinner service.

1. University of Tennessee (UT) Dining Services: UT is one of the city’s largest employers. They hire chefs and head cooks for their residential dining halls, catering, and the popular Rocky Top Sports World. Hiring trends are steady, with peak activity in late spring/summer for the academic year. They value food safety and consistency.
2. Covenant Health (Parkwest Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional): Hospital systems need reliable chefs to run patient and cafeteria kitchens. These are 9-to-5, Monday-Friday jobs with excellent benefits. Pay can be at or slightly above the median. Look for "Executive Chef" or "Food Service Director" listings.
3. Knoxville Hotels & Resorts: The Hyatt Regency, Marriott Downtown, and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort (in nearby Pigeon Forge) are major employers. They hire for banquet, restaurant, and room service kitchens. Hiring is often tied to the tourism season (spring through fall). These roles often include profit-sharing or bonuses.
4. Restaurant Groups: Groups like The Oliver Hotel Group (which runs The Oliver and Knox Mason Jar) or The Burchfield Restaurant Group (Osteria Stella, The Peter Kern Library) hire multiple chefs and cooks across their properties. They offer career paths—you can start as a line cook and move up within the group.
5. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL): Located 20 minutes west, this federal lab has a massive cafeteria and executive dining program. These are highly competitive, secure jobs with federal benefits and pay that often exceeds the Knoxville median. They require a clean background check.
6. Local School Systems (Knox County Schools): Head Cooks manage production for school cafeterias. While the pay is closer to the lower end of the mid-level range, the schedule is family-friendly (no late nights, summers off). Hiring is often in late summer.
7. Independent High-End Restaurants: The top-tier jobs at places like The French Market (historic Market Square), Altrucha (West Knoxville), or Emmy Squared Pizza (Old City) pay at the senior level. These are competitive and often filled through networking. They’re where you can earn a premium for creativity.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady, not frantic. The 5% growth is real, but Knoxville’s scene is tight-knit. Most jobs are filled through word-of-mouth. Insider Tip: Spend a Tuesday afternoon at The Tomato Head on Market Square. You’ll see half the city’s kitchen staff. For the best opportunities, focus on the West Knoxville corridor (Pellissippi Parkway) for hotel and corporate jobs, and Downtown/Old City for creative, independent restaurants.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee does not require a state license to be a Chef or Head Cook. However, the food service industry has clear, non-negotiable requirements.

1. Food Handler’s Card: Required by law for all food workers in Tennessee. You must get this within 60 days of hire. It’s a basic online course on food safety (about 1-2 hours) and an exam. Cost: $10-$15. Providers include ServSafe, eFoodHandlers, and the Knox County Health Department. This is your first step—get it before you even interview.
2. Food Protection Manager Certification (ServSafe): While not always state-mandated for every kitchen, Knox County Health Department regulations require a certified food protection manager on-site during all hours of operation. As a Chef/Head Cook, you should have this. It’s a more intensive course (8-16 hours) and exam. Cost: $150-$200 for the course and exam. The certification is valid for 5 years. Insider Tip: Many employers, especially larger ones like Covenant Health or UT, will pay for this.
3. Alcohol Service Certification (TABC Permit): If you manage a bar or oversee alcohol service, you need the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) permit. The online course takes 2-3 hours, and the permit costs $30. It’s often required for Executive Chef roles in full-service restaurants.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Week 1: Get your Food Handler’s Card online. Cost: $10-$15. Time: 2 hours.
• Month 1-2: On the job, plan to take the ServSafe Manager course. Many employers offer it. If not, it’s worth the investment ($150-$200). Study time: 10-20 hours.
• Ongoing: Keep your ServSafe current. The TABC permit is only needed for specific roles.

Data Source: Tennessee Department of Health, Knox County Health Department. There is no formal licensing board for chefs in Tennessee.

Best Neighborhoods for Chef/Head Cooks

Your lifestyle depends on where you live. Knoxville is a driving city, but these neighborhoods offer good balance.

1. Old City / Downtown (Commuter Score: 8/10, Lifestyle: 9/10)

   • Vibe: Walkable, gritty, artsy. Where the creative restaurants and bars are (Osteria Stella, A Dopo, The Peter Kern Library). You can walk to work in many cases.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. Newer apartments are pricier; older walk-ups are cheaper.
   • Best For: Chefs who want to be in the heart of the action and avoid a commute. You’ll have a higher rent but no car costs for work.

2. Bearden / West Knoxville (Commuter Score: 9/10, Lifestyle: 7/10)

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, safe. Home to Turkey Creek retail and many corporate hotels (Hyatt, Marriott). Easy access to I-40/I-640 for a quick drive to anywhere.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR. More space for your money.
   • Best For: Chefs working in hotel kitchens, corporate dining, or at places like Altrucha. A great choice for stability and a short, predictable commute.

3. North Knoxville / Fountain City (Commuter Score: 7/10, Lifestyle: 6/10)

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, classic Knoxville. Close to I-275 for a straight shot downtown. Has a mix of older homes and apartments.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100/month. Very affordable.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious cooks who don’t mind a 15-20 minute drive. A good option for saving money to buy a home.

4. South Knoxville (Commuter Score: 6/10, Lifestyle: 8/10)

   • Vibe: Trendy, outdoorsy, with a growing food scene (The Plaid Apron, Suttree’s). Adjacent to the Urban Wilderness trail system.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month. Gentrifying quickly.
   • Best For: Chefs who value an active lifestyle and want to be part of a community. Commute to downtown is easy via the Henley Street Bridge.

5. Oak Ridge (Commuter Score: 5/10, Lifestyle: 5/10)

   • Vibe: A separate city 20 minutes west. Quiet, family-oriented, home to ORNL. Not a food scene hub.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month.
   • Best For: Chefs who land a job at ORNL. The commute is worth it for the job security and benefits.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Knoxville is not Atlanta or Chicago, but there are clear paths to increase your earnings and responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a higher salary by developing a niche. Culinary Instruction (teaching at Walters State Community College or Pellissippi State) can add $5,000-$10,000 to your income. Bakery/Pastry expertise is in high demand for high-end restaurants and cafes. Sustainability/Sourcing is a growing niche, especially with the Knoxville Farmers’ Market.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is Line Cook → Sous Chef → Head Cook → Chef de Cuisine → Executive Chef. In Knoxville, the jump from Head Cook to Chef de Cuisine is where you’ll see the biggest pay increase ($65,000+). To reach Executive Chef ($75,000+), you often need to move into management, budgeting, and menu design for a larger operation (hotel, hospital, or restaurant group).
• 10-Year Outlook (Based on 5% Growth): The 396 jobs will likely grow to ~415. The market will remain stable, not explosive. The biggest opportunities will be in healthcare nutrition (aging population), corporate wellness cafeterias (new tech parks near Maryville), and specialized ethnic cuisines (growing immigrant communities). The median salary will likely rise with inflation, but may not significantly outpace it. Your best bet for substantial income growth is to move into a corporate or institutional role (hospital, university, tech company) rather than staying in independent restaurants.

The Verdict: Is Knoxville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is 7% below U.S. average. Your $59,046 goes further.	Salaries are stagnant compared to Nashville/Atlanta. Major raise requires leaving the city.
Vibrant, Supportive Food Community with a strong farm-to-table ethos.	Limited Nightlife/Scene compared to larger cities. The industry is insular.
Stable Job Market with major employers in healthcare, education, and hospitality.	Car Dependency is high. Public transport is not viable for most commutes.
Outdoor Access is world-class (Great Smoky Mountains, lakes, trails).	Weather can be oppressive in summer (high humidity) and unpredictable in winter.
Slower Pace of Life and less cutthroat than major metro areas.	Fewer High-End Opportunities; top-tier fine dining is limited.

Final Recommendation:
Knoxville is an excellent choice for a Chef/Head Cook seeking work-life balance, a lower cost of living, and a supportive community. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals (3-10 years experience) who want to buy a home without moving to a rural area. It’s not the right choice if your primary goal is to break into the national fine-dining scene or maximize your salary above all else. For the median salary, you can live comfortably, save, and enjoy the Smokies. My advice? If you get an offer at or above $59,046, you can build a great life here.

FAQs

Q: What’s the real salary I can expect as a new Head Cook in Knoxville?
A: If you’re new to the role, expect $42,000 - $48,000. You’ll likely start at a breakfast/lunch spot or a smaller dinner service. Prove yourself for a year, and you can leverage that for a $55,000+ role at a busier restaurant or hotel.

Q: Is it hard to get a job without a culinary degree?
A: In Knoxville, experience and ServSafe certification are more important than a degree.