Chefs and Head Cooks
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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 540 | $58,710 | $28.23 | |
| Alaska | 860 | $54,500 | $26.20 | |
| Arizona | 1,520 | $61,200 | $29.42 | |
| Arkansas | 450 | $48,270 | $23.21 | |
| California | 19,760 | $60,670 | $29.17 | |
| Colorado | 3,010 | $59,540 | $28.63 | |
| Connecticut | 2,590 | $54,750 | $26.32 | |
| Delaware | 490 | $54,000 | $25.96 | |
| District of Columbia | 1,290 | $63,800 | $30.67 | |
| Florida | 11,260 | $58,850 | $28.29 | |
| Georgia | 3,510 | $53,980 | $25.95 | |
| Hawaii | 980 | $73,900 | $35.53 | |
| Idaho | 1,150 | $36,890 | $17.73 | |
| Illinois | 5,280 | $47,300 | $22.74 | |
| Indiana | 1,140 | $54,660 | $26.28 | |
| Iowa | 1,570 | $45,100 | $21.68 | |
| Kansas | 870 | $46,380 | $22.30 | |
| Kentucky | 1,700 | $46,120 | $22.17 | |
| Louisiana | 1,270 | $50,880 | $24.46 | |
| Maine | 1,120 | $54,260 | $26.09 | |
| Maryland | 2,590 | $64,950 | $31.23 | |
| Massachusetts | 3,640 | $69,450 | $33.39 | |
| Michigan | 3,650 | $53,290 | $25.62 | |
| Minnesota | 1,460 | $52,160 | $25.08 | |
| Missouri | 1,380 | $52,790 | $25.38 | |
| Montana | 370 | $48,150 | $23.15 | |
| Nebraska | 410 | $48,370 | $23.26 | |
| Nevada | 2,300 | $55,570 | $26.72 | |
| New Hampshire | 830 | $62,100 | $29.85 | |
| New Jersey | 3,600 | $79,190 | $38.07 | |
| New Mexico | 460 | $45,010 | $21.64 | |
| New York | 10,320 | $64,190 | $30.86 | |
| North Carolina | 2,750 | $56,360 | $27.10 | |
| North Dakota | 40 | $52,230 | $25.11 | |
| Ohio | 2,230 | $54,700 | $26.30 | |
| Oklahoma | 760 | $51,730 | $24.87 | |
| Oregon | 1,470 | $57,210 | $27.51 | |
| Pennsylvania | 3,880 | $59,130 | $28.43 | |
| Rhode Island | $72,140 | $34.68 | ||
| South Carolina | 3,230 | $47,780 | $22.97 | |
| South Dakota | 170 | $45,990 | $22.11 | |
| Tennessee | 2,740 | $53,870 | $25.90 | |
| Texas | 10,450 | $46,260 | $22.24 | |
| Utah | 1,860 | $49,080 | $23.60 | |
| Vermont | 920 | $48,660 | $23.39 | |
| Virginia | 2,250 | $55,340 | $26.61 | |
| Washington | 2,830 | $63,280 | $30.43 | |
| West Virginia | 260 | $56,350 | $27.09 | |
| Wisconsin | 1,220 | $51,860 | $24.93 | |
| Wyoming | 190 | $52,500 | $25.24 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that focuses on the general study of the cooking and related culinary arts, and that may prepare individuals for a variety of jobs within the food service industry. Includes instruction in food preparation, cooking techniques, equipment operation and maintenance, sanitation and safety, communication skills, applicable regulations, and principles of food service management.
A program that prepares individuals to serve as professional bakers and pastry specialists in restaurants or other commercial baking establishments. Includes instruction in bread and pastry making, bread and pastry handling and storage, cake and pastry decorating, baking industry operations, product packaging and marketing operations, and counter display and service.
A program that prepares individuals to provide professional chef and related cooking services in restaurants and other commercial food establishments. Includes instruction in recipe and menu planning, preparing and cooking of foods, supervising and training kitchen assistants, the management of food supplies and kitchen resources, aesthetics of food presentation, and familiarity or mastery of a wide variety of cuisines and culinary techniques.
A program that prepares individuals to plan, supervise, and manage food and beverage preparation and service operations, restaurant facilities, and catering services. Includes instruction in food/beverage industry operations, cost control, purchasing and storage, business administration, logistics, personnel management, culinary arts, restaurant and menu planning, executive chef functions, event planning and management, health and safety, insurance, and applicable law and regulations.
A program that focuses on the blending of food science and the culinary arts and that prepares individuals to work as research chefs and related research and development positions in the food industry. Includes instruction in culinary arts, food chemistry, food safety and quality, food processing, nutrition, and business management.
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$56,920 per yearNational average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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High school diploma or equivalentTypical education requirement
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5 years or moreTypical experience requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as chefs and head cooks.
- Less than high school 16%
- High school graduate 30%
- College dropout 22%
- Associate’s degree 16%
- Bachelor’s degree 14%
- Master’s degree 2%
- Doctorate degree 1%
Similar Careers
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Cooks, Restaurant$31,630 per year Average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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Cooks, Private Household$43,260 per year Average salaryDecliningJob growth rate
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Bakers$32,300 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$31,520 per year Average salaryModerateJob growth rate