Kitchen Chef Salary

Kitchen chefs prepare foods for their establishment's diners. They may work for private institutions such as restaurants, entertainment venues, cruise ships and large corporations, as well as public institutions such as schools and public hospitals. Tasks performed by kitchen chefs include planning the menu, supervising kitchen assistants, waiters, and hostesses, and preparing food. Food preparation tasks may include cutting meat, vegetables and fruit; preparing stuffing, glazes and sauces; assembling plates to be sent to diners; and overseeing the food preparation tasks performed by subordinates in the kitchen. Kitchen chefs may conduct ordering and bookkeeping work for their restaurant as well.

Many kitchen chefs receive on-the-job training; however, they often attend culinary and vocational schools to learn their trade. Kitchen chefs usually begin their careers by working under the supervision of an experienced chef, and they must develop an in-depth understanding of food preparation and presentation; they often specialize in a particular type of cuisine. Many chefs are employed by their restaurant's owners, although some chefs own their own restaurants. Kitchen chefs hold a physically demanding job, and they often work long hours and may work late into the evening. They work on their feet for much of the day and are sometimes required to lift heavy objects.

Kitchen Chef Tasks

• Prepare appetizers, salads, sandwiches, sauces, stuffing, and glazes.
• May supervise pantry staff.
• Utilize extra meat in new menu items.
• Chop, slice, grind, and garnish meats, vegetables, and cheeses.