Salary Information for Those with a Culinary Arts Degree in Virginia

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A culinary career salary in Virginia depends on a number of details, including region, market and your own personal profile and resume, which demonstrate your skill set, knowledge, and experience. How much can you expect to make working as a chef in one of the biggest U.S. states?

Salary Quotes for Chefs in the State

In terms of overall salary, don’t jump ahead of yourself. The median pay as of 2010 for U.S. chefs and head cooks was $40,630. This is modest and hardly the big pay ambitious young students are seeking. However, breaking things down by state may reveal some additional information. For example, Virginia’s average was slightly above the national figure, at $42,000, according to some sources.

Ideas for Making More Money

A culinary careers salary depends on a number of items that you have to fulfill, before placing yourself in a position. First, have you identified a market that needs help and that you can serve with your unique talents? Making more money may depend on you leaving your hometown for a bigger city, or even another state. For that matter, cooking managers, head chefs and executive chefs make more salary than traditional chefs, or cafeteria and chain chefs.

Gaining experience now, while you’re studying, is essential, as it will put you at an advantage when you do finish your education. A bachelor’s degree is highly recommended, and up to seven years on your work resume is customary for high-level cooks. Of course, this is also a profession that is flexible, and you can easily work as a well-paid contractor taking cooking gigs on a per-case basis.

Trends in the Profession

A U.S. News Report states that a culinary career salary is dependent on a few definite factors. Education is important to some experts, though some do acknowledge the difference between a “trade,” which is demonstrable, as well as a career profession that requires specific schooling criteria. Chef work doesn’t require hard educational achievements. It requires expertise, but expertise indicates a well-rounded education, which means cooks may have to supplement their training in areas like sauces, baking, charcuterie, pastry, and other avenues.

Executive sous chefs do tend to make more than average, earning $55,679 per year, while executive chefs at country clubs can average $87,068 per year. One key point is that longevity is needed to earn a top salary. This means adapting to the need of the high-paying client. Most cooks come from backgrounds of 15-20 years of cooking experience, so be prepared to be attentive if you want to earn more than contract money.

Bear in mind that working while training is important. When you start out, you may only make minimum wage. Believing that you can merit $15 per hour just on education alone may be wishful thinking. Build an impressive resume as you train, and you can open more doors after graduation.

If you are interested in reaching your full potential, look to enroll in an accredited college course that covers all aspects of culinary arts.