This page provides an overview of the Chefs & Head Cooks profession, including typical job responsibilities, required skills, and educational pathways.
Please note that this is not a job posting, but rather an informational guide to help you understand what a career in Chefs & Head Cooks entails
What Does A Chefs & Head Cooks Do
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.
Other Job Titles
Banquet Chef; Certified Executive Chef (CEC); Chef; Chef, Instructor; Cook; Corporate Executive Chef; Executive Chef (Ex Chef); Executive Sous Chef; Head Cook; Line Cook
Job Tasks
- Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
- Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
- Estimate amounts and costs of required supplies, such as food and ingredients.
- Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
- Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
Annual Salary
- Workers on average earn $25.66/hr. – $53,380 annual.
- Projected Growth (2019-2029) Faster than average (5%-7%)
- Projected job openings (2019-2029) 18,500
Resources
The Occupational Information Network is a free online database that contains hundreds of occupational definitions to help students.
Learn More >>The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government’s premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations.
Learn More >>My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options.
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