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Chefs and Head Cooks In Demand

General Information

Description

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Business Breakdown

People in this career work in these sectors.

  1. Private, for profit81.46%
  2. Self-employed10.55%
  3. Private, not for profit4.52%
  4. State and local government2.27%
  5. Federal government0.55%

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Industry areas

  • Hospitality & Tourism

Job Outlook

Projected Job Growth (2022 - 2032)
+5%
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Job Outlook

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Employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 22,000 openings for chefs and head cooks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$56,520

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

Salary Range Salary varies based on years of experience, degree level and location.

$32,720
$87,730
No Information for this section

Education & Interests

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Associate's degree 51%
  • Post-secondary certificate 17%
  • Bachelor's degree 10%
  • High school 6%
  • Less than high school 6%
  • Some college 3%
  • Post baccalaureate 3%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS

You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:

  • Enterprising — You have an interest in managing, negotiating and marketing, or leading and advising others.
  • Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.
  • Artistic — You have an interest in creating visual artwork, performances, written works, food or music.

Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Food Production
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Production and Processing
  • Personnel and Human Resources

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.