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Chef and Head Cook

Run a kitchen: the menu, the food coming out of it, and the cooks making it.

What it pays in the U.S.

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.

Median pay (national)$62,470about $30.03 an hour
Typical range$37,900 – $98,560lowest to highest tenth of earners
Usual way inHigh school diploma or equivalent

Wage figures are 2025 survey data for United States, shown nationally because no state figure was reported. They describe what people in this job earn now, not what any one person will be offered.

Demand in United StatesBright outlook

Employment is projected to change 7% between 2024 and 2034. About 24,400 openings are projected each year. CareerOneStop flags this career for: Rapid Growth.

What the work actually is

  • Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
  • Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.
  • Meet with customers to discuss menus for special occasions, such as weddings, parties, or banquets.
  • 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.
  • Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.
  • Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.

Read the full Occupational Outlook Handbook entry from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Licensing, by state

Licensing is set by each state, so there is no national answer. Choose a state above to see which licenses it requires for this career, or look one up with the CareerOneStop License Finder.

Certifications employers recognize

These are national certifications, issued by industry bodies rather than a state. Most are optional, but they are how you prove skill to an employer.

Apprenticeships, by state

Registered apprenticeships pay you while you train. Each state runs its own registration office, which is where to start when you want to find an open program.

Choose a state above to see the offices that register apprenticeships there.

Search open programs directly at apprenticeship.gov.

Now find the schools.

4Thought101 tracks the programs that train for this, their deadlines, and what you owe when. This page stays free whether you sign up or not.

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