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Hospitality Chef and Head Cook
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$73 23,300+

What Does a Chef Do?

Chefs are responsible for designing and creating the meals that establish a restaurant’s reputation. That requires creativity, unflappability and a strong work ethic.

Chefs and head cooks oversee daily food preparation at restaurants, hotel dining establishments, cafes, private households and many other places where food is served. The type of restaurant where a chef or head cook works will determine the scope of duties, as smaller establishments often combine roles. 

They need to be multitaskers who communicate well — even in a hot and noisy kitchen.

Chefs work demanding hours, including weekends and holidays. However, pride in the food they create makes these hours worthwhile.

For most chefs, the social aspect of the job is a bonus. In addition, this career offers many opportunities to learn, grow and even own your own business. 

Keep reading to learn more about how training will help you reach your goals.

Young female chef takes a break from food prep
Becoming a chef requires hard work and a commitment to the craft, but the payoff can be a good salary and deep satisfaction with your work. (Credit: FXQuadro/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Plan menus and ensure ingredient quality
  • Create new recipes
  • Keep up with culinary trends
  • Assign prices to dishes and services
  • Develop a network of suppliers and vendors
  • Supervise and coordinate activities of chefs you manage
  • Inspect supplies, equipment and work areas for cleanliness
  • Manage administrative operations
  • May order food and supplies

How To Become a Chef: FAQs

The bottom line:

This creative career will both push you and reward you. Being able to cook for a living is a dream come true for some, but it requires years of hard work. If you know this is the right career for you, check out the training opportunities near you. SkillPointe has hundreds of training partners, so you can find the best program for you and get started on your next chapter. 
 

Ebony Magae, SkillPointe chef ambassador

Becoming a chef is worth it

Ebony Magae loves being a sous chef and teaching students skills they need to succeed in the culinary industry. 

"I am a caregiver naturally, but cooking was always in my heart," says Ebony, who was in nursing for years before she switched careers. 

Her only regret? That she didn’t make the leap sooner. 

"I wish I would have known it was this fulfilling 20 years ago!"

Are there certification requirements for this career?

Find Chef and Head Cook Training In Your Area

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Commercial Foods Certificate Certificate of Completion

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Catering Professional (Online) Certificate of Completion

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Food and Customer Service Skills Training (Online) Certificate of Completion

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