Executive Chef Schools in the U.S.

Executive chefs work long hours--the 40-hour work week is often unheard of in this demanding profession that calls for night, weekend, and holiday schedules. And they spend a good portion of that on their feet, driven purely by energy and passion for their work.

What Does it Take to Become an Executive Chef?

Unlike many cook and server positions, that may not require formal culinary schooling, head cook and executive chef jobs mostly require some post-secondary training, as well as years of experience in the industry. The majority of executive chefs (75 percent) have at least 10 years work experience as well as an associate's or bachelor's degree in culinary arts. These degrees can be earned through vocational or technical schools, community colleges, or culinary academies, or through four-year schools with hospitality programs.

Additionally, many chefs opt to earn certification from the American Culinary Federation, which can lead to higher pay and advancement. ACF-certified chefs earn nearly $11,000 more per year than non-certified chefs. according to a survey by the Federation.

If paying for school is a concern for you, make sure you explore scholarships offered through the American Culinary Federation, student loans, work-study programs, or government aid. Explore your financial aid options before enrolling in culinary school.

Where Can I Work as an Executive Chef?

As an executive or head chef, you may work in any number of settings, including:

• Restaurant
• Hotel
• Resort
• Food manufacturing corporation
• Catering business
• Private home or company as a private chef

Nearly half of all executive chefs work for full-service restaurants, and those in management earned the highest wages. Another benefit of becoming an executive chef is freedom: many are self-employed, as restaurant owners, caterers, or food service contractors (like personal chefs).

The majority of these jobs are found in large metropolitan areas where restaurants and tourist are plentiful. Other good locales for these jobs are New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, Seattle, Philadelphia, Boston, and Denver.

What Are My Job and Salary Prospects?

Because the restaurant industry is one of the nation's largest employers, prospects for executive chef jobs are expected to be plentiful, despite slower-than-average job growth of just 6 percent between 2008 and 2018. Executive chefs comprise the largest segment of job functions among ACF members.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the median annual earnings of chefs and cooks in 2008 was $38,770; however, chefs with experience and advanced certification may be able to earn significantly more.