Chefs and Head Cooks

Overview

Chefs and Head Cooks has a national median salary of $62,470 per year, with +6.6% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

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.

Work Values

• Independence
• Recognition
• Achievement

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
• 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.
• Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.
• Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.

Work Activities

• Training and Teaching Others
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
• Developing and Building Teams
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
• Coaching and Developing Others
• Getting Information
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Detailed Work Activities

• Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished an associate's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Associate's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Chefs and Head Cooks:

Video Resources