Chefs and head cooks
BLS projects employment of chefs and head cooks to change by +6.6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 25,200 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $62,470 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $62,470 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 220,300 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 234,700 |
| Change, 2025–35 | +6.6% (+14,400) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 25,200 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work experience in a related occupation | 5 years or more |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
| Self-employed | 6.8% |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do chefs and head cooks make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $62,470 for chefs and head cooks in 2025.
What is the job outlook for chefs and head cooks?
BLS projects employment to change by +6.6% from 2025 to 2035, with about 25,200 openings per year on average.
What education do chefs and head cooks need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: High school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training: None.