Chefs and Head Cooks
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Chefs and Head Cooks to increase by 6.6% between 2024 and 2034, from 220,300 to 234,700 jobs. Its estimate of 25,200 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($62,470), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (5 years or more) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
220,300
Projected employment (2034)
234,700
Projected change (2024–2034)
7%
Annual openings (projected average)
25,200
Pay & Preparation
$62,470
High school diploma or equivalent
5 years or more
None
Essential Skills
Coordination (4.12/5) • Monitoring (4/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.88/5) • Time Management (3.88/5) • Management of Personnel Resources (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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