Chef and Head Cook Classes
Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants or other establishments where food is prepared. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns. A lot of Chefs and head cooks are owners of their own establishment.
There are 4 types of chefs and head cooks:
- Executive chefs, head cooks, and chefs de cuisine are primarily responsible for overseeing the operation of a kitchen.
- Sous chefs are a kitchen’s second-in-command.
- Personal chefs plan and prepare meals in private homes.
- Private household chefs typically work full time for one client, such as a corporate executive, university president, or diplomat, who regularly entertains as part of his or her official duties.
If you are interested in more information on a career as a Chef or a Head Cook, simply choose a school below and request information on financial aid, tuition costs, course offerings, and much more.
Is A Career as a Chef or a Head Cook Right For Me?
Most successful chefs and head cooks receive formal training at community colleges, technical schools, culinary arts schools, and 2-year or 4-year institutions. These programs cover all aspects of kitchen work, including menu planning, food sanitation procedures, and purchasing and inventory methods. Most formal training programs also require students to get experience in a commercial kitchen through an internship, apprenticeship, or out-placement program.
Chefs and head cooks typically do the following:
- Check quality of food and ingredients
- Supervise and coordinate cooks and other food preparation employees
- Develop recipes and determine the presentation of each plate
- Plan menus and ensure each meal is of the same size and quality
- Make sure all equipment and supplies are up to date and clean.
- Hire, train, and supervise cooks and other food preparation workers
- Maintain inventory of food and supplies needed to ensure efficient operations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of chefs and head cooks in 2010 were as follows:
| Traveler accommodation, including hotels and motels | $47,350 |
| Other amusement and recreation industries | $47,340 |
| Special food services | $42,380 |
| Full-service restaurants | $38,520 |
| Limited-service eating places | $27,840 |
The top 10% earned more than $70,960
The level of pay for chefs and head cooks varies greatly by region and employer. Pay is usually highest in upscale restaurants and hotels, where many executive chefs are employed, as well as in major metropolitan and resort areas.
If you are interested in more information on a career as a Chef or a Head Cook, simply choose a school below and request information on financial aid, tuition costs, course offerings, and much more.
Click on a school to request more information
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