4. New Jersey
Annual median wage: $56,730
Cost of living index: 121
Employment: 3,690
At the 4th spot on our list of best states for chefs and head cooks we have New Jersey that holds the record for paying the highest wages to chefs and head cooks in America. Not very surprising, as the state is never one to hold back on its salaries. While the state is also known for its expensive cost of living rates, the number of jobs they have available for culinary professionals is just too many to overlook. Another reason to get a job as a chef in New Jersey is how near it is in New York City, where opportunities also thrive in being a chef.