Executive Chef Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does an Executive Chef do?
The Executive Chef balances all areas of the culinary operations with a business and financial mindset. They work with the Kitchen Manager to lead the sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, porters, and other kitchen staff by supporting growth and development. Managers oversee budgetary demands using the profits & losses statement and other financial documents. They are tasked with continually refining and updating the culinary programming menu. They create and maintain recipes and standardized processes.
How much does an Executive Chef make?
According to Glassdoor, Executive Chefs make a national average of $78,579 or $37.78 an hour (as of June 2022). This position is a senior level role and salaries currently range between $57,000 (25th percentile) to $121,000 (75th percentile). This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the hospitality industry?
In order for a restaurant to be successful, it must have a clean and efficient kitchen that produces great food. An executive chef is the key figure who makes it all come together. The supervise and motivate staff, develop an understanding of the finer points of the business’ finance, and ensure that the restaurant always works within the protocols of the health department.
What is the job outlook for an Executive Chef?
Analysts forecast that the hotel revenue will grow to $950 billion in 2022. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in food service management (including Executive Chef) are expected to grow at a rate of 15% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Executive Chefs tend to get their careers start in restaurant kitchens. Consider an entry-level job in a kitchen as a prep cook or busser.
- Explore the NYU x Hospitality And Tourism Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Hospitality Career Guide.
Learn from:
Soraya Aloloma
Assistant Manager, North America at Dubai Tourism, Hospitality & Tourism Industry Essentials contributor
Related Careers:
Kitchen Manager | Front of House Manager | Sommelier | Pastry Chef | Sous Chef | Fast Food Attendant | Cake Decorator | Barista | Bartender | Line Cook | Maître D | Host | Server | Kitchen Porter | Restaurant Manager | Dishwasher | Restaurant Owner | Busser | Catering Assistant | Commis Chef | Catering Manager
