Chefs and head cooks are responsible for directing the preparation, seasoning and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts and other foods. They may plan and price menu items, order supplies, keep records and accounts, and participate in cooking.
Most workers in this occupation have some prior experience in the food service or hospitality industries, but even though the majority of employees have post-secondary training, many experienced workers with less education can be promoted to such a position.
During 2008, the median wage for chefs and head cooks in the Denver area was $18.61 per hour or $38,705 per year. The median wage throughout Colorado was $19.09 per hour or $39,700 per year.
The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment considers chefs and head cooks to be an in demand occupation. Employment in the Denver area is expected to increase from 1,245 workers during 2008 to 1,392 workers by 2018, accounting for 147 additional jobs and an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent.
Nationwide, employment of chefs, head cooks, and food preparation and serving supervisors is expected to increase by 6 percent between 2008 and 2018. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is slower than the average growth expected for all occupations.
The top 10 industries that employed chefs and head cooks in the Denver area during 2009 were:
- Food services and drinking places
- Accommodation
- Amusement, gambling and recreation
- Hospitals
- Real estate
- Administrative and support services
- Air transportation
- Educational services
- Food and beverage stores
- Food manufacturing
Some related occupations include: dietetic technicians; first-line supervisors and managers of food preparation and serving workers; and fast food cooks. All of these occupations also are considered to be in demand.
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