Head Chef

Explore This Path

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

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 8.3% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

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.

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.

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 Annually

Median Earnings

$60,930 in California

$58,920 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Head Chef? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@chefraco

@seasoningbottle

@massimo_capra

@jenniferhsiao

@verorocher97

@nikkiskitchenatl

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

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

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Service Orientation
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Head Chef

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

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.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ 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.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years