Chef / Head Cook
Chefs & Head Cooks
SOC 35-1011
How Much Does a Chef / Head Cook Make?
The national median salary for a Chef / Head Cook is $58,230 per year ($28.00/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data).
That's 11% below the national median salary of $65,470 for all occupations.
How to Become a Chef / Head Cook
Food handler's cert; ServSafe valued
Chef / Head Cook Job Outlook
Faster than avg — the BLS projects 5% growth from 2024 to 2034.
That's faster than the average across all occupations (4%).
About 15,500 positions are expected to open annually, from both new roles and replacement needs.
Restaurant industry; food tourism; private chef demand
What It's Like to Work as a Chef / Head Cook
Very High
This role typically requires in-person work at a specific location.
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Career data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024-34 projections (released August 2025). Salary data: BLS OEWS May 2024.
View on BLS.gov