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Top 10 Chef Jobs – July 2024 Job Listings

We’ve curated a list of the top 10 Chef roles in the United States, including details on salaries, qualifications and benefits, in anticipation of the launch of the OysterLink Jobs platform in December 2024.

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The demand for Chefs in the United States is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032. This exceeds the average growth rate for all other professions (3%).

Chef Job Growth vs Other Roles

 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), one contributing factor to this job growth is the increasing demand for healthier dishes made from scratch.

In addition, there has been a rising interest in new dining experiences among Americans, leading to increased demand for skilled Chefs who can deliver unique and healthy dishes.

How Much Do Chefs Make in the US?

The average base wage for a Chef is $30.12 per hour.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state labor sites, this translates to an average monthly salary of $5,220 or an annual income of $62,640 in the United States.

[Source: BLS]

This map is interactive. Hover your mouse over different parts of the map to see detailed data. 

Chef salaries vary across the four major U.S. cities, with New York offering the highest pay at $70,060 and Miami offering the lowest at $63,130.

Miami

Annual mean wage

$63,130

New York City

Annual mean wage

$70,060

Chicago

Annual mean wage

$68,620

Los Angeles

Annual mean wage

$65,060

[Source: BLS]

Chef Job FAQ

The certifications required to secure a job as a Chef depend on state regulations. However, some of the most common certifications needed include:

  • Food Handler certificate: This certificate ensures that Chefs have a basic understanding of food safety practices.
  • ServSafe certification: Similar to the Food Handler certificate, the ServSafe certification verifies that Chefs possess food safety knowledge to prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Allergen awareness certification: This certification equips Chefs with the tools to assess food allergen risks in their workplace and develop effective policies and processes to ensure safe practices.

A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but employers generally value applicants who have formal culinary education through culinary schools, community colleges or vocational training programs more.

These training programs are deemed valuable by employers as they offer lessons on cooking techniques, food safety and kitchen management.

The working hours for Chefs often involve long shifts, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Chefs may work early mornings to prepare for breakfast service or late nights to oversee dinner service.

The fast-paced environment of restaurant kitchens can also contribute to irregular schedules and long hours. Chefs in other industries, such as special food services and educational institutions, may have more regular hours.

You can find Chef jobs through online job boards like OysterLink.

Additionally, following the social media accounts of restaurants and other culinary establishments is beneficial, as many of them use this platform to advertise job openings.

Lastly, joining professional organizations such as the American Culinary Federation provides networking opportunities and access to exclusive job listings.

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