Should I be a chef?

Did you know? Chefs and their staff feed over 100 million Americans, or 25% of the country, every day.

Being a chef can look like...

This

It can look like this...

Or this...

Or even this!

But how do you know if being a chef is right for you?

As a chef, your day will include:

• Developing and planning recipes, menus, and dish presentation.

• Supervising and coordinating cooks and kitchen workers.

• Inspecting supplies, equipment, and work areas for cleanliness and functionality.

• Hiring and training cooks and kitchen staff.

• Ordering food and maintaining an inventory of food and supplies.

• Observing kitchen safety and sanitation practices and standards .

Chefs enjoy the benefit of working in a wide variety of locations and environments. From diners to casinos the options are endless!

You can work with a goat...

Chefs work on farms connected to restaurants in places like Napa Valley, California.

You can work on a boat...

Chefs serve on cruise ships around the world.

You can work near...

In your local cafe.

or far...

Many chefs train in Italy!

You can work in a bar!

These days many bars have gourmet food prepared by a chef!

One of the greatest benefits of being a chef is the flexibility to work anywhere.

• Love working on a team and being around others.

• Have a passion for food and a creative flare.

• Have excellent time management skills.

• Don't mind working long hours.

• Like your sleep.

• Want a 9-5 job.

• Don't want to work weekends or holidays.

• Can't stand for long periods or withstand physical activity.

• Find fast-paced environments stressful.

In many larger establishments, the cooks and chefs are members of international unions that help them negotiate their wages and benefits as a group.

A chef in Canada typically makes around $72,500 CAD per year.

The salary range is $35,500 CAD to $113,000 CAD.

A chef in the United States typically makes around $51,530 USD per year.

The salary range is less than $28,370 to more than $86,990 .