CHChef
CH
Career

Chef

By the numbers
Typical pay
$62,470 / yr
Education to start
High school diploma or equivalent
Future demand
+7.1% by 2034
People in this job
200K
Figures shown for ·closest of 2 O*NET occupations
The work
Watch · day in the life
A day, hour by hour
14:00
Delivery inspection

Check every crate from suppliers — reject anything soft, off-color, or suspect.

14:30
Prep & mise en place

Break down proteins, portion sauces, and set every station before service starts.

16:00
Staff briefing

Run the crew through tonight's specials and any 86'd items. No surprises.

16:30
Junior cook training

Drill a new cook on knife technique until the cuts are consistent and safe.

17:30
Pre-service tasting

Taste every sauce and component — adjust salt, acid, heat on the spot.

18:00
Dinner service

Call tickets, plate dishes to order, and push the crew through the rush.

21:00
Late-service decisions

Low on halibut — decide whether to push the special or pull it now.

22:00
Close & cost review

Scrub stations, log waste, and check food costs against tonight's covers.

22:45
Menu development

Test a new dish idea with leftover ingredients — scribble notes for next week.

Things you do
  • Cook and plate dishes to order during a live dinner service.
  • Design new menu items by experimenting with flavors and ingredients.
  • Taste everything constantly and adjust seasoning on the spot.
  • Direct a kitchen crew through a chaotic, fast-moving dinner rush.
  • Train junior cooks on knife skills and cooking techniques.
Decisions you’ll make
  • Is this dish ready to plate, or does it need another minute?
  • Should I keep this dish on the menu, or cut it to simplify service?
  • Is my cook struggling and needs help, or should I let them figure it out?
  • Do I push a creative new dish tonight, or play it safe with what sells?
  • Is this ingredient still good enough to serve, or do I toss it?
Education Pathways · how you get there
71 in 100 went the college route · 29 in 100 found another way in 5 years or more, typically
Education mapped from O*NET:
If you like this, also look at