Tafari Campbell was a personal chef who served as White House Chef for eight years under George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He died near Martha’s Vineyard by drowning in July 2023. He was 45 years old and left behind his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin. Campbell was a beloved part of the Obama family, who praised his talent and kindness in a statement. But how much did he earn as a chef for the most powerful people in the world?
White House Chef Salary
According to the website Glassdoor, the average salary for a White House Chef is $86,563 per year. However, this may vary depending on the level of experience, skills, and responsibilities of the chef. For example, the Executive Chef, who is the head of the kitchen, may earn more than a Sous Chef, who is the second in command. Campbell worked as a Sous Chef at the White House before moving to work for the Obamas. The exact amount of his salary as a White House Chef is not publicly known, but it is likely that he was well compensated for his work.
Personal Chef Income
After Obama left the office in 2016, he asked Campbell to join him and his family as their personal chef, and Campbell “generously agreed”. As a personal chef, Campbell would have prepared meals for the Obamas at their homes in Washington DC, Hawaii, and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as during their travels. According to the website ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a personal chef in the United States is $44,549 per year. However, this may also vary depending on the location, clientele, and demand for the chef’s services. Given that Campbell was working for one of the most influential and wealthy families in the world, it is likely that he was earning much more than the average personal chef.
Tafari Campbell Net Worth Estimate
Based on the information available, we can estimate that Tafari Campbell had a net worth of at least $1 million at the time of his death. This is based on the assumption that he earned an average of $80,000 per year as a White House Chef for eight years, and an average of $100,000 per year as a personal chef for the Obamas for five years. This would give him a total income of $1.4 million, excluding taxes and expenses. Assuming that he saved and invested 20% of his income, he would have accumulated $280,000 in savings and investments. Adding his assets, such as his home in Virginia, his car, and his personal belongings, we can estimate that his net worth was around $1 million or more.
Tafari Campbell Legacy
Tafari Campbell was not only a successful chef, but also a warm, fun, and kind person who made a positive impact on the lives of many people. He was passionate about food and its ability to bring people together. He helped create some of the most famous presidential recipes, such as a beer brewed from ingredients grown at the White House. He was also a loving husband and father, who adored his wife and twin sons. His wife, Sherise, said on Instagram that her heart was broken and asked for prayers for her and her family. Campbell’s death has sparked a wave of condolences and tributes from his friends, colleagues, and fans. He will be remembered as a talented and generous chef, and a wonderful man.