Benefits of Being a Chef
People will always be hungry for good food. Even in hard economic times, the food industry is screaming for more professionals with proper hands-on experience or culinary training. Although being a chef requires a lot of responsibility, it can also be an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career.
Jobs
There are a number of different titles and chef positions, and each have their own place in the kitchen. Hotels usually hire executive chefs, who are essentially the “head chef” of the kitchen. Some companies hire a sous chef, who serves as the “right hand man” of the head or executive chef. Commis or assistant chefs work with a head chef and assist in food preparation and plate presentation. Bakers or pastry chefs, on the other hand, work specifically in the baked goods or dessert section of the kitchen.
Where Can Chefs Work?
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Cruise Lines
- Resorts
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Lounges
- Country Clubs
- Schools
- Private Businesses
- Prisons
- Community Centers
- Cafeterias
- Fast Food Restaurants
- Casinos
- Supermarkets
- Grocery Stores
- Cafes
- Delis
- Private Homes
- Convention Centers
- Spas
- Corporate Kitchens
- Studios
- Royal Kitchens
- Government Institutions (local, state, and federal)
Acquired Skills
Besides learning how to cook and prepare nearly every type of food, chefs are also responsible for creating and designing new menu items. Chefs become experts at using various types of kitchen equipment, and must understand what a body needs in order to be energized. Chefs are also familiar with the different types of international cuisines and terminologies.
Perks
There are also a lot of perks to being a chef depending on what type of business you work for. You may receive annual bonuses or free drinks and food at work. Other companies offer paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave, or flexible working schedules.
Salaries
The amount of money an average chef makes depends on the type of company they work for, along with annual company sales. Chefs tend to make the most money when they work for hotels, schools, and government institutions. The average executive or head chef could earn between $40,000 and $70,000 a year. An assistant chef, on the other hand, can earn up to $20,000 a year with one year of experience, and $50,000 with over 20 years of experience. Chefs responsible for managing and training other members of staff tend to make more money than assistant chefs.