5 Chef Jobs In India That Pay The Highest Salaries In 2026

The hospitality industry in India is growing as luxury hotels, restaurants, cloud kitchens, and global food brands are increasing. Chef jobs in India is one of the most reputed and attractive options you can choose as a career.

Many students are registering for cooking classes, culinary courses, and hotel management courses . Let’s have a look at the top 5 chef jobs in India, which have the highest pay in 2026.

Executive Chef  

An executive chef has the highest position in professional chef jobs in India. They have to take care of all things in running the kitchen, like designing menus, managing finances, training staff, and food quality, which demands professional expertise, leadership, and rich experience in culinary operations, making it one of the most senior chef jobs in India.  

The chef salary of an Executive Chef is ₹15–30 lakh per year (or more in luxurious hotels) Many executive chefs are also employed in abroad; hence, the chef salary in Dubai is even higher. They all start as a commis chef before rising to other positions of chef jobs in India, such as chef de partie and sous chef, before getting this one. 

Sous Chef

A sous chef is the second most senior person in chef jobs in India. A sous chef helps the executive chef and makes sure all day-to-day activities in the kitchen are running properly. This is one of those chef jobs in India where you have to be responsible and have team spirit.  

The chef salary of a sous chef is ₹8–15 lakh per annum . This is one of those chef jobs in India where you need culinary expertise, discipline, and experience. Many students take professional cooking courses from institutions in Ludhiana, cooking classes in Chandigarh, or a cooking institute in Punjab to prepare for chef jobs in India.  

Pastry Chef

A pastry chef is an expert in desserts, bakery products, chocolates, and other confectionery items.  This is currently one of the most rewarding chef jobs in India  because of the growing need for designer cakes and luxurious desserts. 

 The average chef salary in India for a pastry chef is ₹6-12 lakh per year. You have to be creative and innovative to succeed in chef jobs in India as a pastry chef. Many candidates choose short-term cooking courses or chef courses in Patiala and Jalandhar. 

Chef De Partie

A chef de partie is responsible for a specific area within the kitchen. It is one of those chef jobs in India where you can develop specialization and management experience. 

The salary of a Chef de Partie is ₹5-10 lakh/year, and it is one of those chef jobs in India which you get after becoming a commis chef. If you would like to progress in chef jobs in India, you can join the Cooking Courses in Jalandhar, Cooking Classes in Patiala, or Cooking Classes in Ranjit Avenue groups. 

Master Chef / Celebrity Chef 

A master chef or celebrity chef is someone who has achieved a level of success based on broadcasts, restaurant chains, or brand identity. These types of chef jobs in India are very attractive and uncommon paths.  

The Chef salary of a Master Chef or Celebrity Chef is ₹20 Lakh per year and above (highly flexible) They usually do this in combination with other activities, such as teaching, consulting, content writing, or running their own institutes. 

How to Become a Chef in India?

Enroll yourself in a reputable hotel management course or chef course and rise through the positions from commis chef to top positions.  

Many students from Punjab prefer institutions offering cooking classes in Chandigarh, cooking institutes in Punjab, and the nearest cities for getting quality training and hands-on experience. 

Final Thoughts  

When we talk about 2026, the position of chef is not limited to the hotel industry in India anymore. The scope is huge, whether it is fine dining or abroad. With proper skills in culinary arts, you can have a very reputed and progressive career in this field. 

If you are passionate about food, becoming a chef can be a life-changing experience, and to take this major step of your life, you can contact NFCI by visiting their website https://nfcihospitality.com/ or   contacting 9888011222 today.