CHEFS & HEAD COOKS

CHEFS & HEAD COOKS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• No college required, but it is highly suggested.
• Will get a better job and paid more with an associate's degree.
• You only need basic cook skills.
• 2-3 years to get an associate's degree.
• Top Culinary Institutions: Texas Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu, MCC

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Be a leader, excellent cooking skills, understand the produce and ingredients.
• Ability to write the menu with creativity and are profitable to the business.
• Good management skills. (Ideally without the swearing)
• Have to have these skills or the restaurant can and will fail.

SALARY

• 2012: lowest 10% earned less than $24,530.
• 2012: highest 10% earned $74,120.
• 2012: average salary was $42,480, average hourly wage was $20.42.
• Education makes a huge difference on how much you can make
• Where you work will depend on experience and education.

JOB DUTIES & TYPE OF WORK

• Be able to cook and lead a team in the kitchen.
• Figure price on food and how much food is needed for a week.
• Order food and supplies.
• Make a menu and adjust prices depending on season and availability of food.
• Make food from scratch.

JOB DUTIES & TYPE OF WORK EXTENDED

• Hours and days worked depend on the employer.
• Most jobs are on the east and west coast.
• Other types of culinary jobs: catering services, personal chefs, and others.

BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS

• Benefits: Medical, dental, life insurance, and sick leave.
• Drawbacks: Stress, rude customers, and a failing business.