What is the future job outlook for chefs?
According to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, job openings for chefs are expected to be plentiful through 2012; however, competition for jobs in the top kitchens of higher end restaurants should be keen. The number of higher-skilled chefs and cooks working in full-service restaurants – those that offer table service and more varied menus-is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Much of the increase in this segment, however, will come from more casual rather than up-scale full-service restaurants. How much do chefs make? Wages usually are highest in elegant restaurants and hotels, where many executive chefs are employed, and in major metropolitan areas. Median hourly earnings of chefs and head cooks were $13.43 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $9.86 and $19.03. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.66, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.86 per hour.
