Average Chefs Salary in Manchester
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Manchester compares
Looking at 2025 salary data, chefss in the North West were paid a median of £26,000. The national equivalent stands at £26,531, putting this region 2.0% below. Factor in the North West's cost of living (8.8% below the UK norm) and a £26,000 salary has the purchasing power of approximately £28,509. Compared to the Manchester average across all roles (£36,554), chefss take home 28.9% less.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £26,000 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £28,509 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average.
Chefs salary across UK regions
Chefs salary in areas near Manchester
Salary data is by ONS region. Manchester is in the North West region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Chefs Salary Guide
The full salary guide includes regional breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, year-on-year trends, and in-depth FAQs.
Read the full Chefs salary guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average chefs salary in Manchester?
The median chefs salary in the North West (which includes Manchester) is £26,000 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does chefs pay in Manchester compare to the UK average?
Chefs in the North West earn 2.0% below the national median of £26,531. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is chefs a well-paid job in Manchester compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Manchester is £36,554. Chefs in the North West earn £26,000, which is 28.9% below the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for chefss cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Manchester. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.