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Does being a chef pay well?

Wanting to go work as a cook

+25 Karma if successful
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To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

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6 answers


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Calvin’s Answer

Pay is relative to your experience and where you are working at. I know some executive chefs make in the 6 figures, and some make enough to live comfortably. It's all about doing what you love, having fun, and learning all you can. Of course we all need to pay our bills and day to day expenses. I'm a firm believer in it's what you get out of your work (everything else besides a paycheck) like emotional satisfaction, technical achievements, schedule flexibility,and social interactions to name a few, that I appreciate and value more.
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Mike’s Answer

In simple terms, it's essential to pursue your passions and do what you love, without being overly concerned about financial gain. Of course, we all need to cover our expenses. Generally speaking, individuals in our field tend to earn less than many office workers. However, throughout my career, I've had countless priceless experiences and unique opportunities that most people never get to enjoy. Moreover, consider successful figures like Wolfgang Puck, who built an empire and amassed a fortune, proving that anything is possible.
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Howard’s Answer

The pay depends on how good you are. But more importantly, it depends on how successful the restaurant is. If the business does not make big money you can not get paid big money. The restaurant or hotel can only afford to pay what their budget has planned for. There is good money to be made. But expect to work hard and long hours. There are people who are good cooks and there are good chefs. A good cook may not be a good chef. A good chef may not be a good cook. A successful chef has to know how to be a good cook and make money as a chef for the business. A good cook brings customers in with good food. A good chef knows how to cook and make money.
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Michel’s Answer

Only if you are good and successful. These a lot of sacrifice prior to that.
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Madison’s Answer

The short answer to your question is no, we chefs do not make a lot of money, but the experience that come with seeing someone smile and laugh as they taste your delicious food or a child tell you, "This is the best thing they have ever ate." Or a 84 y/o grandmother begging you for your recipe because, "It was the best creme brulee she has had since she been alive for 84 years." Is priceless. Some celebrities chef make millions but that is far and few between, YouTuber also make a lot cooking on the platform. I make $15 an hour myself which is considered very well and high in my area, but I know people in other professions that make $29+ a hour. Life experiences matter to me more than materialistic wealth. You will have to make many many sacrifices ( i myself have skipped so many holidays with family because of my job) but are they worth it, to me yes, yes they are.
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Joffrey’s Answer

It very depends, size of the restaurant popularity, and your experience! where is it too.
I’m a French executive pastry chef with 16yrs of xp and I recently got bumped to 75k/ year
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