Chef/Head Cook in Lynn, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Lynn Stands

If you’re a Chef or Head Cook eyeing Lynn, you’re looking at a market that pays well above the national average but sits solidly in the middle of the pack for Massachusetts. The median salary for a Chef/Head Cook in Lynn is $62,450/year, which breaks down to a $30.02/hour rate. This is a healthy $2,100 above the national average of $60,350/year, reflecting Massachusetts' higher cost of living and demand for skilled kitchen leadership.

However, context is everything. In the broader Boston metro area, competition is fierce, and salaries can be higher, especially in downtown Boston or affluent suburbs like Wellesley. Lynn offers a compelling middle ground: a tangible wage premium over the national average, with a more manageable cost of living than the city core. The Lynn metro area, which includes surrounding communities, has 202 jobs for this role, indicating steady, localized demand. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is modest but stable, suggesting consistent opportunities rather than explosive growth.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in this market:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Expected Salary Range (Lynn, MA)
Entry-Level Chef	Sous Chef, banquet chef, line cook in a leadership role	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level Head Cook	Managing a kitchen team, menu development for a mid-size restaurant	$58,000 - $68,000
Senior Executive Chef	Overseeing multiple outlets, costing, vendor relations (hotels, hospitals)	$70,000 - $85,000+
Expert/Corporate Chef	Regional menus, training programs, high-end institutional cooking	$90,000+

Comparative Salary Context (MA Cities):

• Boston: Median salary ~$70,000. Higher ceiling but extreme cost of living.
• Cambridge: Similar to Boston, with a focus on institutional and fine dining. Median ~$68,000.
• Worcester: Slightly lower median (~$58,000), with a lower cost of living. A potential competitor market.
• Lynn: $62,450 – A sweet spot for value, offering a competitive wage without the downtown Boston premium.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In Lynn, many kitchen roles, especially in hotels, hospitals, and larger banquet facilities, come with benefits packages (health, 401k, PTO) that can add $10k-$15k in value annually.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground that $62,450 median salary in reality. An annual salary means a monthly gross pay of approximately $5,204. After federal, state (5% MA income tax), and FICA taxes (7.65%), your take-home pay settles around $4,000 - $4,200 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

Now, let’s factor in the biggest expense: housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Lynn costs $2,064/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Chef/Head Cook: $62,450/year)

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,204
Estimated Taxes (Fed, MA, FICA)	~$1,100	Varies by exemptions
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,104	Your realistic working budget
Rent (1BR Avg)	$2,064	50% of take-home pay
Utilities, Internet, Phone	$250	Includes Eversource, National Grid
Groceries & Food	$400	Cooks often eat well at work
Transportation (Car/Gas/Insurance)	$400	Public transit is an option
Health Insurance (if not employer)	$300	Varies widely
Savings & Miscellaneous	$690	This is your buffer

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch on a single income. With a $4,104 monthly net, the $2,064 rent consumes over 50% of your take-home. To own, you’d typically need to keep your mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) under 30% of your gross income. For a $400,000 home (modest for Lynn), a 20% down payment is $80,000, and a 30-year mortgage would be ~$1,600/month plus taxes/insurance, pushing it over $2,000. Saving $80,000 while paying $2,000+ in rent is a significant challenge. Homeownership is more feasible with dual income, years of experience pushing your salary into the $80k+ range, or if you target a condo/townhome in the $250k-$300k range.

Where the Jobs Are: Lynn's Major Employers

Lynn’s job market for chefs is anchored by institutional food service, hospitality, and established local restaurants, not high-end fine dining. Here’s where to focus your applications:

1. Lynn’s Hospital & Healthcare System: Lynn Hospital (Part of Steward Health) and North Shore Medical Center (Salem Hospital) are major employers. They hire Executive Chefs and Food Service Directors to manage patient menus, cafeteria operations, and catering. These are stable, benefits-heavy jobs with unionized teams in some cases. Hiring is steady, with openings often linked to retirements or facility expansions.
2. Lynn Public Schools: The school district employs Head Cooks to oversee kitchen operations for K-12 cafeterias. This is a 9-month calendar year job with summers off, great for work-life balance. Pay is competitive with the median, and the district is always looking for certified managers.
3. Hotels & Conference Centers: The Boston Marriott Peabody (just north of Lynn) and the DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore (Danvers) are within a short commute and serve Lynn residents. They hire banquet chefs and sous chefs. The Lynn Museum & Arts Center also hosts events requiring catering chefs.
4. Colleges & Universities: While not in Lynn proper, North Shore Community College (Danvers campus) and Salem State University are key employers for food service management roles. They offer academic year schedules and strong benefits.
5. Local Restaurant Groups: Look for established local chains and family-owned restaurants. The Birchwood (Essex) is a short drive and a high-volume, respected employer. In Lynn itself, places like The Blue Ox (a popular American bistro) or catering companies like A & R Catering are the primary local dining employers. They value chefs who can handle high volume and consistent quality.
6. Food Service Management Companies (FSM): Companies like Eurest (part of Compass Group) or Sodexo contract with the employers above (hospitals, schools, corporate cafés). They are the largest direct employers of culinary managers in the region. You apply directly to them, not the institution.

Hiring Trends: There’s a steady demand for chefs who can manage cost controls, food safety (ServSafe), and diverse dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, allergies). The trend is toward "scratch cooking" in institutional settings to improve quality and patient/student satisfaction.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has specific requirements for food service managers. The key credential is the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.

Requirements & Costs:

1. ServSafe Certification: This is the state-recognized standard. You must pass a proctored exam (score 75% or higher). The course and exam cost between $125 - $200 through providers like the Massachusetts Restaurant Association or online courses.
2. Food Manager License: Some cities, including Boston, require an additional city-specific license. Lynn itself does not have a separate city food manager license. You must comply with the Massachusetts Food Code, which requires at least one certified food protection manager on duty.
3. Other Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications like Allergen Awareness Training (required for all MA food service workers) and Workplace Safety are valuable.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Week 1: Enroll in an online ServSafe course (self-paced, ~8-10 hours).
• Week 2: Schedule your proctored exam at a local testing center (e.g., at a community college or approved site).
• Week 3: Pass the exam. Your certification is valid for 5 years.
• Immediately: You can start applying for jobs. Most employers will hire you contingent on passing ServSafe within 30-60 days of start date.

Insider Tip: Many Lynn employers, especially hospitals and schools, will pay for your ServSafe certification. Ask about this during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Chef/Head Cooks

Lynn is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute. Your choice depends on whether you work in Lynn, commute to Peabody/Salem, or head into Boston.

1. Central Lynn (Downtown):

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, diverse. Close to the commuter rail (Lynn Station) to Boston. Growing arts scene.
   • Commute: 5 minutes to most Lynn employers; 45 mins to downtown Boston by train/bus.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Chefs who want city energy, easy access to nightlife, and public transit.

2. East Lynn (Fayettenam / Lynn Beach):

   • Vibe: Residential, family-oriented, closer to the water. More single-family homes and duplexes.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes by car to hospital/school jobs in Lynn or Salem.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those seeking a quieter, community-focused lifestyle, still with access to the city.

3. West Lynn (Highlands / Lynnfield):

   • Vibe: More suburban, with larger homes and parks. Borders Lynnfield and Peabody.
   • Commute: 10-minute drive to North Shore Medical Center and Peabody hotels.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900 for a 1BR (often in multi-family homes).
   • Best For: Chefs working at the North Shore Medical Center or Peabody hotels, who prefer a suburban feel.

4. Lynn Woods / Nahant (Border Area):

   • Vibe: Rural and wooded, with Nahant being a peninsula community. Very quiet.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes by car to most Lynn jobs; requires a car.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800 for a 1BR (limited rental stock).
   • Best For: Those who prioritize space, nature, and a tight-knit community over urban amenities.

5. Wyoma (North Lynn):

   • Vibe: A mix of residential and commercial, with great access to Route 128 and I-95.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to the commuter rail; easy highway access to the North Shore or Boston.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,750 - $2,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: The chef with a car who commutes to multiple locations (e.g., Salem, Peabody, Boston).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Chef/Head Cooks in Lynn is stable but requires proactive career management.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Institutional/Healthcare Chef: +10-15% over restaurant median. Specializes in therapeutic diets, strict compliance, and large-scale volume.
  • Banquet/Catering Chef: +5-10%. Skills in high-volume, event-driven production are highly valued by hotels and catering companies.
  • Ethnic Cuisine Specialist: +Variable. A chef with proven expertise in a specific cuisine (e.g., Cambodian, given Lynn's large Cambodian community) can command a premium in the right local establishment.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Head Cook → Sous Chef (at a larger establishment): Move from managing a small line to an assistant to an Executive Chef.
  2. Chef de Cuisine → Executive Chef: Oversee all kitchen operations, including HACCP plans, budgeting, and hiring.
  3. Executive Chef → Food & Beverage Manager (Hospitality): Move into the business side, managing both front and back of house.
  4. Chef → Corporate Chef / Menu Developer: Work for a multi-unit chain or food service company, developing menus for multiple locations.
  5. Chef → Restaurant Owner: The ultimate goal. Lynn’s lower startup costs compared to Boston make it a viable market for a small, well-placed restaurant.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth indicates new roles will appear, but competition will remain. The key to advancement is adding business skills—cost control, inventory management, and menu engineering—to your culinary talent. Chefs who can make a kitchen profitable will always be in demand, regardless of the overall job count.

The Verdict: Is Lynn Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary ($62,450 median) above the national average.	High Rent Burden—$2,064/month for a 1BR eats ~50% of take-home pay.
Manageable Commute—Most jobs are within the city; 30 mins to Boston by train.	No High-End Fine Dining—Culinary scene is more about quality casual and institutional.
Diverse Employer Base—Hospitals, schools, hotels, and local restaurants.	Homeownership is Difficult on a single chef’s income without major savings.
Strong Local Job Stability—Institutional roles offer great benefits and security.	Modest Job Growth (5%)—Career advancement requires strategic moves, not just tenure.
Cultural Diversity & Community—A vibrant, international city with affordable food options.	Cost of Living (111.6) is 11.6% above the U.S. average; budget management is essential.

Final Recommendation:
Lynn is an excellent choice for a mid-career Chef/Head Cook prioritizing stability, a competitive wage, and a manageable living situation. It’s ideal if you value the security of hospital or school employment, or if you want to run a kitchen without the insane pressure of Boston’s fine-dining scene. It’s a tougher sell for an aspiring celebrity chef or someone seeking rapid, high-risk growth. The math works best with a partner’s income or after you’ve reached the $75k+ salary bracket. For a solid career in a real city that won’t break the bank, Lynn is a pragmatic and rewarding landing spot.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a Chef in Lynn?
Not if you’re targeting the right employers. Competition for the best restaurant jobs is tough, but there are consistent openings in hospitals, schools, and catering companies. The 202 jobs in the metro area indicate steady demand. Use networking sites like LinkedIn and local job boards like Boston.craigslist.org and MassHire.

2. What’s the biggest challenge for a chef moving to Lynn?
The high rent-to-salary ratio. Your biggest monthly expense will take a significant portion of your income, leaving less for savings or discretionary spending. Budgeting carefully from day one is critical.

3. Do I need a car to work as a chef in Lynn?
It’s highly recommended. While the commuter rail connects to Boston, most hospitals, schools, and hotels are in suburban areas (Peabody, Salem, Danvers) that are less accessible by public transit. A car provides the flexibility needed for job searching and commuting.

4. How does Lynn’s culinary scene compare to Boston’s?
It’s less about Michelin stars and more about hearty, diverse, and quality comfort food. You’ll find more family-owned restaurants, great breakfast spots, and institutional kitchens. For specialized fine dining, you’d commute to Boston or Cambridge. Lynn offers a different, more grounded culinary experience.

5. What’s the best way to get started with job applications?

1. Get your ServSafe certification immediately.
2. Research the major employers listed (North Shore Medical Center, Lynn Public Schools, etc.) and apply on their career portals.
3. Contact local food service management companies (Eurest, Sodexo).
4. Attend local industry networking events (check the Massachusetts Restaurant Association website).

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow Rental Data, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and local employer career pages.