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.
Chefs and Head Cooks
SOC: 35-1011 O*NET: 35-1011.00
Median Salary
$60,990
per year
Job Growth
🚀 7.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
24.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Chefs and Head Cooks do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$36,000
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,710
25th percentile
Median
$60,990
50th percentile
Experienced
$76,790
75th percentile
Top Earners
$96,030
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$36,000
25th
$47,710
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$60,990
Mean: $64,720
75th
$76,790
90th
$96,030
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $60,030 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,710 and $76,790
- •Salary spread is 47.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 182,320 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:197,300
Top Industries
Food Services and Drinking Places67.6%
Restaurants and Other Eating Places55%
Full-Service Restaurants47.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+7.1%
Annual Openings:24,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)197,300
Current
2034 (Projected)211,300
+7.1%
+14,000
Employment Change
+7.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Chefs and Head Cooks professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
26,500 jobs$66,7801.24x
Florida
17,170 jobs$59,5801.48x
Texas
16,550 jobs$51,0501.01x
New York
15,420 jobs$64,3001.37x
Pennsylvania
7,060 jobs$59,6300.99x
New Jersey
6,060 jobs$69,6601.21x
Illinois
5,540 jobs$61,4500.77x
Massachusetts
5,330 jobs$71,3301.24x
Michigan
5,310 jobs$58,4301.02x
Nevada
4,560 jobs$58,5902.52x
Georgia
4,390 jobs$51,6300.77x
Colorado
4,180 jobs$63,9901.22x
North Carolina
4,100 jobs$59,8100.71x
Ohio
4,040 jobs$56,7000.62x
Virginia
3,900 jobs$59,7800.81x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Coordination
100%
#2
Monitoring
94%
#3
Speaking
86%
#4
Management of Personnel Resources
80%
#5
Time Management
74%
#6
Social Perceptiveness
66%
#7
Service Orientation
60%
#8
Critical Thinking
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Instructing
40%
Skills Overview
Coordination
advanced5.0
100%
Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Speaking
intermediate4.3
86%
Management of Personnel Resources
intermediate4.0
80%
Time Management
intermediate3.7
74%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.3
66%
Service Orientation
intermediate3.0
60%
Critical Thinking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Coordination
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Management of Personnel Resources
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Instructing
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers82%
5 shared skills
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers82%
5 shared skills
Spa Managers82%
5 shared skills
Gambling Managers82%
5 shared skills
Personal Care Aides73%
5 shared skills
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Management of Personnel Resources
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Service Orientation
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Management of Personnel Resources
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Chefs and Head Cooks
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Sheets
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Google Sheets
Microsoft Excel
Facebook
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (13)Communication & Coordination (1)Training & Development (1)Planning & Development (3)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)
1
Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination88% perform92%
6
Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development79% perform86%
9
Estimate amounts and costs of required supplies, such as food and ingredients.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Collaborate with other personnel to plan and develop recipes or menus, taking into account such factors as seasonal availability of ingredients or the likely number of customers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Chefs and Head Cooks
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Chefs and Head Cooks professionals typically have a ERC Holland code and highly value independence
EEnterprising
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Chefs and Head Cooks
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.67
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.67
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.42
Leadership
Very ImportantLeadership
Importance Level4.38
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.33
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.22
Complete Work Styles Profile
Stress Tolerance
4.7
Dependability
4.7
Attention to Detail
4.4
Leadership
4.4
Integrity
4.3
Cooperation
4.2
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Persistence
4.1
Self-Control
4.0
Initiative
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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