If you love cooking and have a dream to become a chef. Or you are already working as a chef and want to understand how much you can earn from this profession. To figure out how much is the earning of a chef is important, especially if you want to choose this profession, so this thing will help you to make your future plans. In this article, we will guide you about the salaries of a chef of different scales and in different regions. So you can also estimate how much you can easily earn from this work.
Chef Salary In Philippines
As of 2025, the average monthly salary of a chef in the Philippines ranges from ₱15,000 to ₱60,000, depending on experience, location, and employer type.
| Chef Level | Monthly Salary Range (₱) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level / Line Cook | ₱15,000 – ₱20,000 |
| Commis Chef / Junior Chef | ₱18,000 – ₱25,000 |
| Sous Chef (Assistant) | ₱25,000 – ₱40,000 |
| Head Chef / Executive | ₱40,000 – ₱60,000+ |
| Celebrity/Private Chef | ₱70,000 – ₱150,000+ |
Also, keep in mind that salaries may vary according to your location, skills and experience.
Differences Between Local and Overseas Chefs
| Employment Segment | Typical Work Setting / Destination | Monthly Salary Range (₱) | Common Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Chefs | – Restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering companies within the Philippines | ₱20,000 – ₱50,000 | Free staff meals • Share in service‑charge pool • Tips (in full‑service venues) • 13th‑month pay • Government‑mandated benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag‑IBIG) |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar—fine‑dining restaurants, 4‑ & 5‑star hotels | ₱60,000 – ₱100,000 | Free or subsidized housing • Duty meals • Transport to & from work • Health insurance • End‑of‑service gratuity |
| Cruise Lines | Major cruise operators (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asia routes) | ₱70,000 – ₱150,000(plus overtime in busy seasons) | Free worldwide travel • Accommodation & meals on board • Medical care while on contract • Repatriation airfare • Performance bonuses |
| Singapore / Hong Kong | High‑end restaurants, international hotels, private clubs | ₱80,000 – ₱150,000 | Housing allowance or staff dorms • Duty meals • Performance bonuses • Mandatory savings schemes (e.g., CPF/MPF) |
| Australia | Upscale bistros, resorts, mining‑camp catering | ₱120,000 – ₱200,000 | Employer‑funded superannuation • Penalty rates for weekends/holidays • Health‑and‑safety coverage • Opportunity for permanent residency pathways |
Factors That Influence a Chef’s Salary
There are many factors that affect your salary as a chef in the Philippines. We help employees understand these factors so they can understand them and make better decisions for their future. It will also help to maximize their salary.
Experience Level
Experience plays an important role in the salary of a chef. As long you are working in the kitchen the more income you can generate because it will increase your experience. You may also be able to get double the salary if you have at least 10 years of experience as compared to the person who just started their job.
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Location
Chefs who are working in big cities can get higher salaries as compared to the chefs who work in rural areas due to work workload and good earning of the restaurant. For example, if a head chef is earning ₱70,000 in Makati, then the same chef will earn up to ₱45,000 in a provincial city.
Type of Establishment
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Fine-dining restaurants, hotels, and cruise lines offer higher salaries.
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Fast food or small eateries usually offer lower wages but might include free meals or lodging.
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Private chefs serving celebrities, diplomats, or high-net-worth individuals often earn premium salaries.
Certifications and Education
An educated person will always in the priority list in job interviews. Having a TESDA NC II Certificate in Commercial Cooking, a certificate of Hotel and Management or international culinary training helps you get a good salary package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum wage for chefs in the Philippines?
The minimum wage is ₱610 and the minimum monthly salary is ₱13,420 per month. The entry-level chef gets this pay because it is the starting point of the chef’s career.
Do chefs in the Philippines get tips?
Yes, they can also get tips from the customers. Mostly, service charges and the tips are equally shared between the service providers and the chefs.
Is being a chef a stable career in the Philippines?
Yes, in the Philippines chef is a stable career because as the population is increasing day by day more restaurants is opening.
Can Filipino chefs work abroad easily?
Yes. With a TESDA certificate, relevant experience, and good English communication skills, Filipino chefs are highly sought after abroad, especially in the Middle East, on cruise ships, and in the Asia-Pacific.
What is the highest-paying chef job?
Executive chefs in luxury hotels or private chefs serving VIP clients can earn ₱100,000 – ₱250,000+ per month, especially with international experience.
