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Head Chef

Head Chef

  • Creative culinary leadership for those passionate about food and flavors.
  • Shape dining experiences and ensure high-quality, delicious meals.
  • Blend artistry and precision in a fast-paced, dynamic kitchen environment.
💰 Earn $49K-$79K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
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Overview

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

24,600 in Total

Earnings

$60,930 Med. in CA

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Day-to-Day

  • Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
  • Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
  • Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services.
  • Check the quantity and quality of received products.
  • Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

  • Influencing or leading others
  • Working with my hands
  • Being creative or artistic

You are skilled in 💫

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Coordination
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation

You value 🙏

  • Accomplishing things
  • Receiving recognition
  • Independence
  • Having freedom
  • Achievement
  • Recognition

In Action

Want to see what it's like to be a Head Chef? We've curated a playlist for you to explore.

Head Chef

This short video gives an overview of what this career is all about.

Pathways to this Career

Here are few pathways you can take to become a Head Chef. Click on a pathway to learn more about it.

Vocational School
A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
📚 Training
Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Associate's Degree
An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
📚 College
Finish in 2-3 years
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
📚 College
Finish in 4-5+ years
Workforce Development Program
A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.
📚 Training
Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Learn More About The Industry

Hospitality & Care
The primary activities of this group involve facilitating hospitality and recreation, including preparing and serving food, and providing personal wellness services.
Private Cook
Private Cook

Create personalized meals in private homes, catering to dietary needs and preferences.

💰 Earn $34K-$81K
📚 Vocational Training
Restaurant Server
Restaurant Server

Deliver exceptional dining experiences by taking orders, serving meals, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

💰 Earn $33K-$39K
📚 None
Dietetic Technician
Dietetic Technician

Support dietitians by planning meals and monitoring patient nutrition for better health outcomes.

💰 Earn $37K-$48K
📚 Associate Degree
Cook
Cook

Create delicious meals by preparing, seasoning, and cooking various dishes in a restaurant setting.

💰 Earn $37K-$46K
📚 None
Cafeteria Cook
Cafeteria Cook

Prepare and cook meals for schools, hospitals, and cafeterias, ensuring quality and safety.

💰 Earn $38K-$50K
📚 None
Food Batchmaker
Food Batchmaker

Create delicious food products by mixing and blending ingredients with precision and care.

💰 Earn $35K-$46K
📚 High School Diploma or GED

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