What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Chef?
Aug 23, 2009
Many people who love to cook or bake turn their hobbies into careers in the culinary field. Some go to culinary schools to take culinary courses such as 2-year associate's degree programs or 4-year college degree programs. Two-year programs include the Associate of Arts in Baking & Pastry Arts and the Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts, while the 4-year programs include the Bachelor of Arts in Baking and Pastry Arts and the Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts & Food Management. Chefs find employment at food service establishments such as restaurants, hotels, diners, schools, hospitals, cruise ships and anywhere in between.
Job Prospects
Just about every restaurant has a chef that works or supervises the kitchen. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chefs, cooks and food preparation workers held 3.1 million jobs in 2006. Of these, two-thirds worked in restaurants and other food services establishments. About 15 percent worked in institutions such as schools, universities, hospitals, nursing care facilities and airline catering establishments. The remainder worked in deli shops or grocery stores, hotels and convenient stores. In 2006, employment was predicted to grow 11 percent by 2016. Some chefs who work on cruise ships enjoy traveling to different places while on the job, while others find employment at food services establishments overseas. Chefs can find available jobs nearly anywhere they want to go and can enjoy long-term employment once they find jobs that match their skills and interests.
Competitive Salary
Salary ranges differ widely for chefs. According to indeed.com, as of 2009 they can expect an average salary from $32,000 to $86,000 per year depending on their ranks. Some who work as executive chefs for 5-star hotels and first-class restaurants can earn an annual income that approaches or exceeds the six digits. A few handfuls turn into millionaires by becoming celebrities and operating several restaurants bearing their names, while others start their own cookware and utensil lines, write cookbooks, judge cooking events and work as regular magazine contributors. They turn their passion into a lucrative business once they make it to the limelight. Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse and other celebrity chefs earn royalties from books and additional income from show appearances. Even though not everyone can be a celebrity chef, the income that a chef brings is competitive with most average occupations. A chef's job cannot be outsourced overseas.
Job Growth
Chefs can work up the ladder by gaining more experience. They can start as prep cooks and become short-order cooks, line chefs, sous chefs, executive chefs and corporate chefs. Some can become culinary teachers while others may choose to work as private chefs for affluent individuals. In addition, a chef can start his own restaurant or catering business and become his own boss.
Job Prospects
Just about every restaurant has a chef that works or supervises the kitchen. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chefs, cooks and food preparation workers held 3.1 million jobs in 2006. Of these, two-thirds worked in restaurants and other food services establishments. About 15 percent worked in institutions such as schools, universities, hospitals, nursing care facilities and airline catering establishments. The remainder worked in deli shops or grocery stores, hotels and convenient stores. In 2006, employment was predicted to grow 11 percent by 2016. Some chefs who work on cruise ships enjoy traveling to different places while on the job, while others find employment at food services establishments overseas. Chefs can find available jobs nearly anywhere they want to go and can enjoy long-term employment once they find jobs that match their skills and interests.
Competitive Salary
Salary ranges differ widely for chefs. According to indeed.com, as of 2009 they can expect an average salary from $32,000 to $86,000 per year depending on their ranks. Some who work as executive chefs for 5-star hotels and first-class restaurants can earn an annual income that approaches or exceeds the six digits. A few handfuls turn into millionaires by becoming celebrities and operating several restaurants bearing their names, while others start their own cookware and utensil lines, write cookbooks, judge cooking events and work as regular magazine contributors. They turn their passion into a lucrative business once they make it to the limelight. Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse and other celebrity chefs earn royalties from books and additional income from show appearances. Even though not everyone can be a celebrity chef, the income that a chef brings is competitive with most average occupations. A chef's job cannot be outsourced overseas.
Job Growth
Chefs can work up the ladder by gaining more experience. They can start as prep cooks and become short-order cooks, line chefs, sous chefs, executive chefs and corporate chefs. Some can become culinary teachers while others may choose to work as private chefs for affluent individuals. In addition, a chef can start his own restaurant or catering business and become his own boss.
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