Employment opportunities heat up for chefs
Employment for chefs is expected to be plentiful as the trend to dine away from home continues. However, competition in the top kitchens of high end restaurants is expected to be stiff, so those with the highest skills will find the most success. Job growth in the culinary arts can be explained by several factors that lead to an increase in dining out: an increasing population, rising household income, and more leisure time.
As in most jobs, salaries for chefs vary greatly, depending on geographic location within the country and the nature of the food establishment. High end restaurants need to pay higher salaries to attract better skilled professionals. However the overall distribution of salaries is not very large and the salaries are in the lower middle income range. According to the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2004, the middle fifty percent of chefs earn approximately between $23,000 and $42,000, with a median income of approximately $31,000. Salary also varies by responsibility. According to salary.com, the median sous chef in Phoeniz, AX earns $38,000 while the executive chef earns almost $66,000.
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Even though the culinary arts field is expected grow, competition is steep. The best opportunities will go to those who are experienced and have formal training. To improve your job prospects, click here.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
