Everything You Need to Know About the Occupation of Chefs and Head Cooks
Chefs and head cooks are responsible for preparing meals in various food establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses. They plan menus, estimate food requirements, and order supplies. Additionally, they oversee kitchen staff to ensure that the meals are prepared according to the necessary specifications. In this article, we’ll break down what this occupation entails and how you can get started in this field.
Types of Chef and head cook jobs
There are many different types of chef and head cook positions depending on the size and type of establishment in which they work. Here are a few examples of chef and head cook job titles and their job responsibilities:
- Executive Chef: These are the head chefs who are responsible for overseeing the kitchen staff. They plan menus, create recipes, and manage the budget of the kitchen. They typically work in hotels, fine dining restaurants, and large catering businesses and are responsible for ensuring that the kitchen meets health codes and regulations.
- Sous Chef: This role is the second-in-command in the kitchen, with tasks encompassing supervising the kitchen staff, preparing menus, monitoring food quality, and managing the kitchen’s inventory and budget. They typically work in smaller restaurants and might also take on the role of executive chef if needed.
- Pantry Chef: These chefs are responsible for preparing cold dishes such as salads, dressings, and cold appetizers. The pantry chef may also be in charge of cutting vegetables, baking bread and desserts, and decorating the plates.
- Pastry Chef: These chefs specialize in creating desserts and other baked items. They may make cakes, cookies, bread, and pastry fillings. They may also develop specialty items for restaurants and bakeries.
- Restaurant Chef: These chefs typically work in smaller to medium-sized restaurants, managing the kitchen staff, developing new menus, and preparing dishes. They oversee food preparation execution and also focus on the restaurant’s inventory management.
Education and Training to become a Chef or Head Cook
You don’t need a formal education to become a chef or head cook, but most employers prefer individuals who have undergone formal training and acquired certification. Specialized culinary schools offer certificate and degree programs in cooking, catering, and hospitality management. In addition to culinary training, building practical experience is crucial in the industry. Entry-level chefs may start with an apprenticeship or as an assistant cook to gain experience in the kitchen.
Progression between Levels of Chef or Head Cook Jobs
As a chef or head cook gains experience and expertise, they can progress to higher levels in their careers, such as executive or master chefs. Some will build meaningful relationships with industry leaders, working to open up their restaurants or consulting on the development of new menus. Others may choose to specialize in unique styles of cooking and become leaders in those recognized areas.
Getting Into the Field of Chef or Head Cook Jobs
If you’re new to the culinary field, one of the best ways to get into a career as a chef or head cook is through an entry-level position. These may include apprenticeships, dishwashing, chopping vegetables, or taking care of menial kitchen duties. Take every opportunity to learn and communicate with more experienced co-workers and supervisors as you work your way up the hierarchy. Once again, a certification from a culinary school or practical experience can make your resume valuable to employers looking for chefs with some degree of expertise or practice.
Occupation: Chefs and Head Cooks
Chefs and head cooks are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a kitchen, planning and preparing meals, managing staff, and ensuring the kitchen’s safety and hygiene. They work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and private households.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for chefs and head cooks is $62,088.00 for Level 06 workers and $66,393.60 for Intermediate workers. Full-time chefs and head cooks earn an average of $63,044.80, with Level 06 workers earning $61,776.00 and Intermediate workers earning $66,289.60. Nonunion chefs and head cooks have an average salary of $56,305.60, while those on time-based pay earn an average of $59,716.80.
Effects of Union on this Job
Union membership can have a positive impact on the salaries and working conditions of chefs and head cooks. Unionized chefs and head cooks often receive better pay, benefits, and workplace protections, such as limits on working hours and safe working conditions. However, union membership also requires paying dues and complying with union rules and regulations, which may not be suitable for all workers and employers.
Geography and Salary Data
The average salaries for chefs and head cooks vary widely based on location. According to the BLS, the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island area in Florida offers the highest average salary for chefs and head cooks at $70,200.00, while Idaho has the lowest average salary for nonunion chefs and head cooks at $41,891.20.
Data Table
| Occupation | Job Level | Average Salary (All Workers) | Average Salary (Nonunion) |
|————|———–|——————————|—————————|
| Chefs and Head Cooks | Level 06 | $62,088.00 | $56,305.60 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | Intermediate | $66,393.60 | N/A |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | Full-time (All Levels) | $63,044.80 | N/A |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | Full-time (Level 06) | $61,776.00 | N/A |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | Full-time (Intermediate) | $66,289.60 | N/A |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | Time-based pay (All levels) | $59,716.80 | $58,240.00 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks (Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL) | Full-time (All Levels) | $70,200.00 | $66,976.00 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks (Idaho) | Nonunion (All Levels) | N/A | $41,891.20 |
