Chefs and Head Cooks
O*NET 35-1011.00 · SOC 35-1011
Chef is a solid career choice. Median pay is $62k a year with +6.6% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 25,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Plan and update menus based on season and food costs
- →Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff during meal service
- →Train cooks on proper food preparation and plating techniques
- →Order food supplies and manage kitchen inventory levels
- →Inspect dishes before service to ensure quality and presentation
Education & How to Get In
Most Chef positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Chef involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Chef?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Chef Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Chefs and Head Cooks is projected to grow 6.6% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Chef make?
The median Chef earns $62k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Chef jobs?
Our model puts Chef at 34 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 26% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Chef a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 6.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 25,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Chef?
Most Chef roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Chef?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Chef career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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