What Chefs and Head Cooks do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Chefs and Head Cooks this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met"; "Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations"; "Check the quantity and quality of received products"; "Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation"; "Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically 5 years or more.
Job outlook for Chefs and Head Cooks
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 220,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 234,700 in 2035, an increase of 14,400 jobs (+6.6%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 25,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 11.4% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 6.8% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,470, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Chefs and Head Cooks earn the most
Across the 6 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $57,643 in Indiana to $71,542 in New York, a gap of $13,899 (1.24 times). 3 of those 6 states average above the BLS national median of $62,470 and 3 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 31,390, which is 25.8% of the 121,740 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 27,760.
Highest-paying states
New York ($71,542), New Jersey ($70,465) and California ($66,807) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($57,643) and Florida ($57,739) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Chefs and Head Cooks: pay against the cost of living
We compare 6 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $28,268. The smallest margin is $14,820 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 6 of the 6 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 28.7% and 58.8% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Chefs and Head Cooks
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (35-1000) include .
Frequently asked questions about Chefs and Head Cooks
What is the national median wage for Chefs and Head Cooks?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $62,470. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $57,643 to $71,542.
Which state pays Chefs and Head Cooks the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $71,542. New Jersey is next at $70,465.
What is the job outlook for Chefs and Head Cooks?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.6% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 25,200 openings a year.
What education do Chefs and Head Cooks need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of 5 years or more, according to BLS.
Where can Chefs and Head Cooks afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $28,268 on a median wage of $60,770.