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How much does a chef make a year: With a culinary degree? Without one?

Not sure I can afford a culinary degree #chef #hospitality #restaurants

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Frank’s Answer

I recruit in the restaurant industry, and once you have years of experience in the kitchen, your education or culinary degree does not really matter. That said, starting out from scratch, culinary school can be helpful in both giving you the basics and helping you with placement in your first job. However, with or without the degree, you need to put in your years on the line before you'll move up. Long hours, not great pay, no vacation, late nights... But, if you have the passion to stick with it and you're recognized for your talent and work ethic, you'll find promotions and opportunities. There is a huge shortage of chefs right now, so anyone halfway reliable and skilled can excel. From a monetary standpoint, prep cooks typically earn minimum wage, line cooks a bit more. Sous Chefs vary depending on the market, but major cities will usually have Sous Chef pay rates in the $40,000 range. Fine Dining concepts always pay better, and experience sous chefs in full service fine dining should be making $50,000 to $60,000, potentially more if its a great (and busy brand). Chef de cuisine or Kitchen Manager roles would be in the $60s. Executive Chef salaries vary wildly by concept. Typically $60k is the starting, $75k to $85k would be average, and the best restaurants will pay for talent above $100k. Keep in mind it takes years to hone your skill, and a bit of luck and timing in finding the right promotions. Expect to work 50 to 60 hours a week minimum. As you can imagine, you really have to have the heart and mindset to make it long term, the burnout rate is huge. But the reward, if cooking is your passion, can be huge.

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Emily’s Answer

Going to school will absolutely help you fast-track your career in food service. However, not all chefs go to school. Jobs in kitchens usually come down to hard work, dedication, and passion. Skills do play a role in this- but cooks can climb the ladder to chef jobs with or without school.

School can be an expensive investment, but there are many things you can do to help make the cost worth it.

1. Research which schools have scholarships. Many schools have programs than can help reduce the cost.
2. Ask schools if they help place students in internships and jobs. This will help you network into a job right away.
3. Look up restaurant groups in your area. These companies usually help run several restaurants under one umbrella. These restaurants usually are better about making sure their employees are paid fairly and appropriately.


Chefs can make a good amount of money once they are established, but it takes a while to become one of those chefs. Many cooks will spend serval years working for somewhat low hourly wages- and typically these hours are longer than 40 hours/ wk, and mostly nights, weekends, and holidays. It's a hard job- you have to cook because you love the work and what you are creating! Usually the money doesn't show up for a while.
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Amanda’s Answer

I went to school, but school's not at all necessary in the kitchen. The pastry chef at my job before me started as a dishwasher and then ended up being the chef several years later.

Many famous chefs have no formal education, literally everything you learn in school can be learned in the kitchen and through reading. If you put in the hard work, show up on time, and show an eagerness to learn you will be just as valuable as someone who went to culinary school, without all the debt of course!
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Garry’s Answer

First of all, get your degree.

The climb will be easier and faster for you.

An Executive Chef on a cruise ship makes between $10,000-$12,000 USD per month.

Plus you can make even more by opening your own restaurant.

Good luck!

Garry
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