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Research Chef Salary in Sacramento, CA
How much does a Research Chef make in Sacramento, CA?
$72,939 (USD)/year
Average Bonus
$1,349 (USD)
per Year
Total Compensation
$73,405.37
Entry Level
$52,980
Median
$72,056
Senior Level
$82,086
As of July, 23, 2026, the average research chef gross salary in Sacramento, California is $72,939 or an equivalent hourly rate of $35. In addition, research chefs earn an average bonus of $1,349. An entry level research chef with 1-3 years of experience earns an average salary of $52,980. At the higher end of the pay range, a senior level research chef with 8+ years of experience earns an average salary of $82,086. Salary estimates are based on salary survey data collected directly from employers in Sacramento, California.
Data powered by ERI
Salary Potential for a Research Chef
Explore the estimated salary growth for a Research Chef in Sacramento, CA for up to 5 years. The estimated salary of a Research Chef will be $74,821 in 1 year and $82,848 in 5 years.
View Salary by Year
Estimated Salary
$76,752
Average Growth
5.2 %
The estimated salary for a Research Chef in 2 years is $76,752, which is 5.2 % average growth. This information is based on ERI's compensation database.
Typical Research Chef Education
This chart displays the highest level of education for Research Chefs.
- 0% of Research Chefs have less than a High School Diploma
- 0% of Research Chefs have a High School Diploma
- 100% of Research Chefs have an Associate's Degree
- 0% of Research Chefs have a Bachelor's Degree
- 0% of Research Chefs have a Master's Degree
- 0% of Research Chefs have a Doctorate Degree
The typical field of study for a Research Chef is Culinary Arts/Chef Training.
See how education can impact your salaryPopular Skills for a Research Chef
Assumes responsibility
100%
Coordinates activities
100%
Trains workers
100%
Instructs workers
50%
These are the most popular skills for Research Chefs. About 100% of Research Chefs have a skill in Assumes responsibility. The top 3 most popular skills for Research Chefs are assumes responsibility, coordinates activities, and trains workers.
See how skills can impact your salaryAre you getting paid what you're worth?
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Where can a Research Chef earn more?
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Research Chef Salaries in Other Locations
Salaries for Similar Job Titles in Sacramento, CA
Research Chef Jobs
View moreCost of Living in Sacramento, CA
The cost of living in Sacramento, CA is 24% higher than the national average.
24% higher
than the national average
Whether you're planning to move or just want to see the cost of living in different locations, our cost-of-living calculator is the place to start. Compare salaries for other locations by city, U.S. ZIP code, state, or country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Research Chef do?
Experiments, formulates, develops, and tests new food ideas, products, and supplies for food establishments like restaurants, food manufacturers, retailers, ingredient suppliers, and other companies associated with the food and beverage industry. Researches information related to major food manufacturers, introduces and creates the concept for new food products, oversees product testing, and assists in marketing. Determines the specific look, flavor, portion, and price that customers prefer; and generates innovative new tasty and visually appealing recipes and food products based on those standards.
How much does a Research Chef make in Sacramento, CA?
The average salary for a Research Chef is $72,939 per year or $35.07 per hour in Sacramento, CA. Top earners have reported making up to $82,086. However, the typical pay range in Sacramento, CA is between $52,980 and $82,086 annually.
What is the salary trajectory for a Research Chef?
Research Chef is projected to see a 13.6 % salary change in 5 years.
How can you increase your salary?
Increasing your salary often starts with understanding your value in today’s job market. You can increase your earning potential by building your skills, advancing your education, moving into a new role or industry, switching companies, or negotiating pay.
How can you negotiate a salary offer?
Negotiating a salary offer involves preparation and finding our your market value. Use our salary calculator to find out how much you should be paid based on what someone in your area, with similar experience, earns. Use this personalized report to help negotiate a higher salary offer or find your dream career.
What are some factors that impact Research Chef salaries?
Several factors can impact your salary, including experience, company size, job market, location, industry, and more. Understanding how these factors affect your role can help you spot pay gaps and provide opportunities for a competitive salary.
About Our Data
This page is an excerpt of the much more complete compensation information available in ERI's Assessor Series.
ERI compiles the most robust and accurate salary, cost-of-living, and executive compensation survey database available. Data are analyzed using AI and traditional statistics, depending on which approach is best for a particular application. ERI collects salary survey data from five different sources, which you can learn about here.
Verified Sources
Data sourced from internal salary surveys, purchased surveys, public sources, HRIS data, and proprietary databases.
Real-Time Data
Our salary database is updated and verified approximately every six weeks.
Quality Assurance
Along with our data scientists, we have included AI in our rigorous process to analyze and provide the highest quality data.
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