What Type of Pay Can a Chef Expect with Few Years of Work Experience?

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No matter where a chef decides to live and work, experience is the key to success as well as the key to a higher paying salary. Entry-level chefs rarely make a lot of money, but those who spend time learning under more experienced chefs in a competitive environment are usually on their way to a lucrative career. Of course, once the experience is gained and a chef knows his or her way around a kitchen with ease, he or she can expect a better salary and more responsibility.

Spending those first few years learning technique, taste, and creativity is crucial for any chef who wants a long, successful career. This is especially true in regards to salary expectations and chefs’ pay. While most chefs will never be rich, there are several opportunities available for experienced chefs to earn a nice living once they have spent a little time in the kitchen.

Starting Chefs’ Pay (Less than five years work experience)

According to the Payscale.com, the average pay for an Executive Chef in the United States is $53,960. However, rarely do Executive Chefs earn that kind of money with less than five years experience. Entry-level chefs with minimal experience (less than five years) make as little as $24,770, according to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most chef gain the experience needed to move up in their career by working in restaurants as line cooks under talented, more experienced head chefs.

Five Years or More Work Experience & Salary Expectations

Depending on factors such as location and setting (i.e. fine dining or fast food restaurant), an experienced Executive Chef with five years or more work experience can earn upwards of $85,000 annually. This is quite a substantial jump in salary from that of an entry-level chef just starting out in the industry. Of course, during that time, the chef in question is learning about technique, taste, creativity, and other crucial skills needed for success as an Executive Chef.

Location Matters

One of the biggest factors involved in figuring out a chef’s pay scale is the location where a chef chooses to work. Obviously, working in a city like New York will allow a chef to earn a higher salary than working in a city like Nashville. It’s simple economics. Of course, the cultural and socio-economic atmosphere of each city plays a role in determining how much a chef can earn in that area as well. Cities with a more solid economy will attract consumers and businesses with larger bank roles; thus, adding to the possibility of a chef earning more in that location.

Summary

A chef’s pay increase with experience just like it does with most careers, culinary or otherwise. However, in the culinary world, experience is paramount to success. In order for a chef to be taken seriously, experience is the key. The same can be said for salary expectations. Entry-level chefs will have to fight and claw their way to the top while earning a small salary on the way to earning a much larger salary once they’ve gained the necessary experience.