Chefs and Head Cook

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  Career Profile

Chefs and Head Cook

What they do

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.

Also Called: Banquet Chef, Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Chef, Cook, Executive Chef (Ex Chef), Executive Sous Chef, Head Cook, Kitchen Manager, Pastry Chef, Sous Chef, Banquet Chef, Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Chef, Cook, Executive Chef (Ex Chef), Executive Sous Chef, Head Cook, Kitchen Manager, Pastry Chef, Sous Chef

$36,040
Starting Salary (2023)
$58,920
Median Salary (2023)
5.3%
Projected Job Growth
172,370
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs.
Arrange for equipment purchases or repairs.
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
Demonstrate new cooking techniques or equipment to staff.
Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Initiative
Leadership
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility
Attention to Detail

What key skills are needed for this job?

Coordination
Speaking
Monitoring
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Common Activities

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Developing and Building Teams
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

More Info

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