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Chefs and Head Cooks

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)	Projected Growth (2023-2033)
National Statistics	$60,990	24600	8.3%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$60,990

Median Wage (USD, 2023)

24600

Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)

8.3%

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

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.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

Related Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Up to and including 1 month

On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month

Detailed Work Activities

Check quality of foods or supplies.
Monitor activities of individuals to ensure safety or compliance with rules.
Check quality of foods or supplies.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Coordinate activities of food service staff.
Inspect facilities, equipment or supplies to ensure conformance to standards.
Create new recipes or food presentations.
Train food preparation or food service personnel.
Estimate supplies, ingredients, or staff requirements for food preparation activities.
Plan menu options.
Determine prices for menu items.
Cook foods.
Coordinate timing of food production activities.
Perform human resources activities.
Plan special events.
Communicate with customers to resolve complaints or ensure satisfaction.
Train food preparation or food service personnel.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
Schedule equipment maintenance.
Record operational or production data.
Coordinate timing of food production activities.
Manage food service operations or parts of operations.
Manage food service operations or parts of operations.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

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.
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
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.
Coordinate planning, budgeting, or purchasing for all the food operations within establishments such as clubs, hotels, or restaurant chains.
Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.
Plan, direct, or supervise food preparation or cooking activities of multiple kitchens or restaurants in an establishment such as a restaurant chain, hospital, or hotel.
Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
Prepare and cook foods of all types, either on a regular basis or for special guests or functions.
Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
Meet with customers to discuss menus for special occasions, such as weddings, parties, or banquets.
Recruit and hire staff, such as cooks and other kitchen workers.
Record production or operational data on specified forms.
Meet with sales representatives to negotiate prices or order supplies.
Arrange for equipment purchases or repairs.
Demonstrate new cooking techniques or equipment to staff.
Collaborate with other personnel to plan and develop recipes or menus, taking into account such factors as seasonal availability of ingredients or the likely number of customers.

Work Styles

Persistence

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Achievement/Effort

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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