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Head Chef Salary

Change Country New Zealand » Job » Head Chef Overview » Head Chef Salary
Updated: 17 May 2013
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Rated 4 out of 5 based on 6 Head Chef votes.
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Head Chef 2013 Total Pay (?
XAll compensation data shown are gross, national 10th to 90th percentile ranges. Pay can vary greatly by location. To view local data, take the PayScale survey.
)
NZ$34,576 - NZ$71,446
(Median)
0
35K
46K
57K
71K
MEDIAN: NZ$46,369
10%
50%
75%
90%

Head Chef Job Listings

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national salary data
National Salary Data

National Salary Data

 (?
XAll compensation data shown are gross, national 10th to 90th percentile ranges. Pay can vary greatly by location. To view local data, take the PayScale survey.
)
NZ$0NZ$27KNZ$54KNZ$81K
SalaryNZ$30,410 - NZ$78,945  
   
BonusNZ$0.00 - NZ$1,221  
Total Pay (?
XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).
)
NZ$34,576 - NZ$71,446  
PayScale
Country: New Zealand | Currency: NZD | Updated: 17 May 2013 | Individuals Reporting: 22

Job Description for Head Chef

The Head Chef plays one of the most important roles in the restaurant industry. Head Chefs must have extensive knowledge of the food their restaurant prepares, as well as the ability to implement quality new menu items. They must also possess the managerial skills required to run a kitchen and the employees working in it.
Heads Chefs must be masters of the culinary craft. They will need to excel at preparing the food that their restaurant serves while also being able to teach their assistant and sous chefs how to prepare the same meals. The job varies based on the different kinds of food served, the speed of service, and how busy the restaurant generally gets. The Head Chef works primarily in the kitchen, but many of them also have offices, as they might also have the duty of making schedules for kitchen staff and for the menu. Some restaurants' menus change from week to week. Working hours depend on when the restaurant is open. Some restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while others only serve dinners that may run late into the evening. A Head Chef may work from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., or they might work from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Weekends are often included. The hours are completely dependent on the restaurant's hours. Often, menu decisions come from what is trending or what customers respond to, so the Head Chef must also recognize and make use of these variables.
Requirements for becoming a Head Chef tend to be relatively extensive. A degree in culinary arts is often required, but it is possible to obtain employment without a degree but with extensive experience as a chef. They must also have leadership abilities and preferably management experience. The job also requires different certifications depending on which state they work in or the different aspects of their business. A certificate in hygiene is usually required. Some may also be required to hold a certificate in catering.
The Head Chef is generally someone who loves his or her work, as it is an art form. The ultimate goal is to please customers. Much of the satisfaction is derived from knowing that they do this. Their job is also an outlet to express their creativity.
Head Chef Tasks
  • Train employees in cooking methods, plate presentations, portions, and cost control.
  • Manage kitchen operation including food purchases and preparation, record keeping, quality standards, and sanitation.
Read more about: Chefs and Head Cooks
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company salaries
Companies and Industries for Head Chef Salaries

Popular Industries

Salary Range

RestaurantNZ$31,424 - NZ$56,322
Catering ServicesNZ$34,120 - NZ$61,539
HotelNZ$35,653 - NZ$55,945
Popular Employers

Salary Range

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key statistics
Key Statistics for Head Chef Salaries and Jobs

Female
33%
female alumni
 
Male
67%
male alumni
Years of Experience
1-4 years
27%
10-19 years
41%
20 years or more
32%
Most Common Health Benefits
medical benefits Medical: 10% dental benefits Dental: n/a
vision benefits Vision: n/a employee benefits None: 90%

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career path
Career Path for Head Chef Jobs

Common Past Jobs
Common Future Jobs

Head Chef

Salary Range

NZ$34,576 - NZ$71,446
payscale
Sous Chef
NZ$30,027 - NZ$46,692
Kitchen Chef
NZ$24,498 - NZ$39,039
 
Common Future Jobs

Head Chef

Salary Range

NZ$34,576 - NZ$71,446
payscale
Executive Chef
NZ$36,067 - NZ$95,603
 

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