What is the Pay Range for Chefs who are Starting Out in Their Career?

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Thinking of a career in the culinary arts field? Working as a chef can be a great choice for those with a creative streak who love to cook. However, entry-level chef pay isn’t going to make anyone rich, so it should be noted that experience and training are both crucial elements to earning a lucrative living in the culinary world.

Since everyone starts at the bottom, anyone considering a career, as a chef should be willing to spend the necessary time and effort it takes to get to the top of their field. While gaining that necessary experience, it is important that potential chefs think long and hard about the pay range for entry-level chefs just starting out in their careers.

Entry Level Chef Pay With or Without a Culinary Arts Degree

There is a solid debate as to the merits of paying for culinary school vs. simply working in kitchens from the ground up to gain experience when struggling to become a chef. While culinary school is expensive, there is value in learning things like proper cooking and preparation techniques, sanitation and food storage procedures, and culinary management. Of course, these same skills can be taught through on-the-job experience, so the question remains as to which path works best.

In truth, it simply comes down to the personal preference and financial situation of each potential chef. One of the biggest considerations regarding whether to pay for a culinary arts education is whether or not it will affect a chef’s overall salary. The truth is – employers care more about experience than a culinary education in most cases and there is little difference in the salary of an entry-level chef with or without a culinary arts degree. According to AllCulinarySchools.com, entry-level chefs (line cooks) currently earn a median wage of roughly $22,372, regardless of whether they have a degree or not.

Entry Level Chefs Must Sacrifice in Order to Earn the Big Bucks

Once a culinary student or future chef decides to pursue a career in culinary arts, it is time to decide exactly how much time and commitment he or she is willing to give in order to achieve their dream. No entry-level chef has ever gotten rich without first spending a lot of time and effort becoming a solid, experienced chef. During the time needed to gain the necessary experience, entry-level chefs must be willing to sacrifice a big payday in order to work more for the future.

Chef Pay Increases as Experience Increases

Of course, as a chef’s experience level increases – so does their pay range. For instance, a fresh culinary school graduate working as a pastry chef or assistant chef will earn a lot less than the executive chef in charge of their kitchen. The difference in salaries comes mainly from time spent in the kitchen and experience gained over a number of years. According to Hcareers.com, the average salary range for a pastry chef is $34,000 to $51,000 while an assistant chef makes roughly $35,000 annually. This is far cry from the salary range of an executive chef at $50,000 to $85,000 annually.

Summary

Obviously, entry-level chefs have a lot to learn before they make the big bucks. However, for a chef willing to put in the time and effort, it is entirely possible to earn a lucrative living as a chef. All it takes is a strong commitment to the craft of cooking and a willingness to learn from those with more years in the kitchen. If the commitment is there, the pay will follow.