Chef:
- Educational requirements: Many chefs start out by obtaining a culinary arts degree or certificate from a culinary school or community college. Some chefs may also pursue an apprenticeship program or on-the-job training.
- High school subjects: Courses in culinary arts, home economics, nutrition, and business can help prepare students for a career as a chef.
- Skills: Strong cooking skills, creativity, ability to work well under pressure, attention to detail, teamwork, communication, time management, leadership, problem-solving, and business management skills are all important for a successful chef.
- Job duties: Chefs are responsible for planning and preparing meals, managing kitchen staff, ordering supplies, creating new recipes, maintaining food safety standards, and overseeing kitchen operations.
- Salary: The salary of a chef can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of establishment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for chefs and head cooks was $54,240 in May 2020.
- Job outlook: The job outlook for chefs is projected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is about average compared to all occupations. The demand for chefs will continue to be driven by the growing number of restaurants and dining establishments.