GITNUXREPORT 2026

Chef Statistics

Chef employment is growing quickly and diversifying across a dynamic culinary landscape.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Chefs aged 25-34 make up 32% of workforce, highest demographic.

Statistic 2

Women comprise 20.6% of US chefs in 2023, up from 18% in 2019.

Statistic 3

Hispanic or Latino chefs at 24.5% of total employment May 2023.

Statistic 4

White non-Hispanic chefs 52.3%, Black 12.1% in 2023 BLS.

Statistic 5

Asian chefs 8.7%, growing in coastal cities.

Statistic 6

Immigrants hold 35% of chef positions in US urban areas.

Statistic 7

LGBTQ+ chefs visible in 15% of high-profile roles per 2023 surveys.

Statistic 8

Average chef age is 42 years, with 25% over 55.

Statistic 9

Rural chefs 15% less diverse than urban counterparts.

Statistic 10

Female executive chefs rose to 12% in top 100 restaurants 2023.

Statistic 11

Veteran chefs 5% of workforce, with programs targeting 10%.

Statistic 12

Gen Z entering chef field at 18% of apprentices.

Statistic 13

Bilingual chefs (Spanish-English) 40% in Southwest US.

Statistic 14

Disability rate among chefs 4.2%, similar to national average.

Statistic 15

Indigenous chefs represented in 2% of fine dining, advocacy growing.

Statistic 16

In France, 85% male chefs, but female rising to 25% under 30.

Statistic 17

UK chefs 70% white British, 15% EU migrants.

Statistic 18

Australia multicultural chefs 40% Asian background.

Statistic 19

Canada chefs 30% South Asian, reflecting immigration.

Statistic 20

NYC chefs 45% foreign-born, diverse cuisines.

Statistic 21

42% of chefs hold associate degrees in culinary arts.

Statistic 22

28% have postsecondary nondegree awards like culinary certificates.

Statistic 23

Only 12% of chefs have bachelor's degrees, often in hospitality management.

Statistic 24

Culinary Institute of America graduates 1,800 students annually from its 4 campuses.

Statistic 25

Johnson & Wales University enrolls 1,200 culinary students yearly across campuses.

Statistic 26

Auguste Escoffier School trains 5,000 online culinary students per year 2023.

Statistic 27

75% of executive chefs have 10+ years experience plus formal training.

Statistic 28

Apprenticeships certify 2,500 chefs annually via ACF programs.

Statistic 29

ServSafe certification held by 65% of professional chefs in US.

Statistic 30

HACCP training required for 80% of chefs in food manufacturing roles.

Statistic 31

Online platforms like Rouxbe certify 10,000 chefs yearly globally.

Statistic 32

In France, 20,000 apprentices train yearly in Meilleur Ouvrier de France path.

Statistic 33

UK has 12,000 culinary apprentices registered in 2023.

Statistic 34

Australia requires Certificate III in Commercial Cookery for 70% of chefs.

Statistic 35

90% of top US chefs started as line cooks with OJT.

Statistic 36

Culinary programs grew 15% enrollment post-pandemic 2023.

Statistic 37

35% of chefs pursue sommelier certifications for advancement.

Statistic 38

Average culinary degree costs $30,000 for 2-year programs in US.

Statistic 39

60% of chefs attend community colleges for affordable training.

Statistic 40

International culinary exchanges train 5,000 chefs yearly via James Beard Foundation.

Statistic 41

Plant-based culinary certifications surged 40% in 2023 enrollments.

Statistic 42

50% of new hires lack formal education, relying on mentorship.

Statistic 43

Fine dining chefs average 5 certifications like ACF or CMC.

Statistic 44

Global chef training market valued at $2.5B in 2023.

Statistic 45

In 2022, there were approximately 238,600 chefs and head cooks employed in the United States, representing a 5.4% increase from 226,700 in 2021.

Statistic 46

The chef occupation is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 13,400 openings per year.

Statistic 47

In the food services and drinking places sector, chefs make up 48% of total chef employment, with 115,200 jobs as of May 2023.

Statistic 48

California employs the highest number of chefs at 38,450 in 2023, accounting for 16% of the national total.

Statistic 49

New York follows with 25,670 chefs employed in 2023, representing urban concentration in hospitality hubs.

Statistic 50

Florida has 21,890 chefs, boosted by tourism, making it the third highest state in 2023.

Statistic 51

Chefs in traveler accommodation subsector number 42,600, the largest industry segment in 2023.

Statistic 52

Full-service restaurants employ 89,200 chefs, comprising 37% of total chef jobs in May 2023.

Statistic 53

Limited-service eating places have 21,400 chefs, showing growth in fast-casual dining.

Statistic 54

Globally, the chef job market is expected to reach 2.5 million positions by 2025, driven by emerging markets.

Statistic 55

In Europe, France has over 200,000 professional chefs registered with culinary unions in 2023.

Statistic 56

UK chef employment stands at 192,000 in hospitality sector as of 2023 post-Brexit recovery.

Statistic 57

Australia reports 65,000 chefs in 2023, with shortages in regional areas noted by government.

Statistic 58

Canada has 92,000 chefs and cooks combined, with chefs at 25% of that in 2023.

Statistic 59

Metro areas like New York-Newark-Jersey City employ 24,560 chefs in 2023.

Statistic 60

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim has 19,080 chefs, highest in California MSAs.

Statistic 61

Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise MSA employs 7,890 chefs due to casino tourism.

Statistic 62

During COVID-19, US chef employment dropped 28% from 2019 to 2020 but recovered 15% by 2022.

Statistic 63

Self-employed chefs number 12,600 or 5% of total in US 2023.

Statistic 64

Chefs under 25 years old comprise 12% of workforce, while 45-54 age group is 28% in 2023.

Statistic 65

Male chefs dominate at 79.4% of total employment in May 2023 US data.

Statistic 66

Part-time chefs make up 22% of employment, higher in casual dining sectors.

Statistic 67

Union membership among chefs is 2.8%, below national average of 10.1% in 2023.

Statistic 68

Chef turnover rate in fine dining averages 75% annually per 2023 industry reports.

Statistic 69

In 2023, 65% of new chef jobs require on-the-job training per BLS.

Statistic 70

India has over 1.2 million chefs projected for 2025 due to food tourism boom.

Statistic 71

China employs 4 million chefs in 2023, largest globally per industry estimates.

Statistic 72

Japan has 1.5 million professional chefs, focused on kaiseki and sushi specialties.

Statistic 73

Brazil chef employment at 450,000 in 2023, growing with agribusiness.

Statistic 74

US restaurant industry revenue hit $1 trillion in 2023, up 8% YoY.

Statistic 75

Fine dining segment grew 12% in 2023, driven by experiential eating.

Statistic 76

Plant-based menu items increased 28% in restaurants since 2020.

Statistic 77

Sustainability practices adopted by 62% of chefs using local sourcing.

Statistic 78

Food waste reduction tech used by 45% of high-end kitchens 2023.

Statistic 79

Ghost kitchens proliferated to 60,000 in US by 2023.

Statistic 80

AI menu optimization tools adopted by 25% of chefs.

Statistic 81

Michelin Guide awarded 250 new stars globally in 2023.

Statistic 82

Molecular gastronomy techniques in 35% of innovative menus.

Statistic 83

Fusion cuisine popularity up 20% in urban areas 2023.

Statistic 84

Off-premise sales still 40% of restaurant revenue post-COVID.

Statistic 85

Labor shortages affect 80% of restaurants, impacting chef hiring.

Statistic 86

Vegan chef demand rose 50% since 2019.

Statistic 87

Hotel restaurant revenues up 15% in 2023 luxury segment.

Statistic 88

Cruise line chefs increased 10% with travel rebound.

Statistic 89

Farm-to-table commitments by 70% of independent restaurants.

Statistic 90

Digital reservation systems used by 85% of fine dining.

Statistic 91

Fermentation trends in 40% of new chef menus 2023.

Statistic 92

Global fine dining market to reach $300B by 2028 CAGR 7%.

Statistic 93

US casual dining recovery to 95% pre-pandemic levels 2023.

Statistic 94

In US, chef median hourly wage is $29.06 as of May 2023.

Statistic 95

Annual mean wage for chefs reaches $72,540 in 2023 BLS data.

Statistic 96

Top 10% of chefs earn over $98,000 annually, often in executive roles.

Statistic 97

Bottom 10% earn less than $30,390 per year, typically entry-level line cooks.

Statistic 98

In California, chef mean annual wage is $80,450, highest state average in 2023.

Statistic 99

New York chefs average $74,120 annually in 2023.

Statistic 100

Nevada pays chefs $69,340 on average due to Las Vegas demand.

Statistic 101

Traveler accommodation chefs earn mean $75,230 annually in 2023.

Statistic 102

Full-service restaurant chefs average $65,780 per year.

Statistic 103

Executive chefs in US average $90,000 base salary plus bonuses in 2023 Glassdoor data.

Statistic 104

Sous chefs earn median $58,000 annually per 2023 Payscale report.

Statistic 105

Michelin-starred chefs can earn up to $250,000 plus profit share in top US cities 2023.

Statistic 106

Chef bonuses average 10-15% of salary in high-end restaurants per 2023 Deloitte hospitality report.

Statistic 107

Benefits like health insurance cover 65% of chefs in large chains 2023.

Statistic 108

Tips add 20-30% to base pay for line chefs in casual dining.

Statistic 109

Globally, top French chefs earn €100,000+ ($110,000) in 2023.

Statistic 110

UK head chefs average £45,000 ($57,000) in London 2023.

Statistic 111

Australian executive chefs median AUD 120,000 ($80,000) in 2023.

Statistic 112

Canadian chefs average CAD 55,000 ($40,000) annually 2023.

Statistic 113

New York MSA chefs mean wage $78,450 in 2023.

Statistic 114

San Francisco-Oakland chefs highest at $82,670 mean annual.

Statistic 115

Las Vegas chefs average $64,120, competitive with tips.

Statistic 116

Salary growth for chefs was 4.2% from 2022 to 2023 BLS.

Statistic 117

Private chef salaries average $75,000 plus room/board perks 2023.

Statistic 118

55% of chefs report salary satisfaction above industry average per 2023 survey.

Statistic 119

Overtime pay boosts chef earnings by 15% in peak seasons.

1/119

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

With a culinary landscape more dynamic than a sizzling pan, the demand for chefs is surging across the globe, backed by robust employment growth and a projected market of 2.5 million positions worldwide by 2025.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, there were approximately 238,600 chefs and head cooks employed in the United States, representing a 5.4% increase from 226,700 in 2021.
The chef occupation is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 13,400 openings per year.
In the food services and drinking places sector, chefs make up 48% of total chef employment, with 115,200 jobs as of May 2023.
In US, chef median hourly wage is $29.06 as of May 2023.
Annual mean wage for chefs reaches $72,540 in 2023 BLS data.
Top 10% of chefs earn over $98,000 annually, often in executive roles.
42% of chefs hold associate degrees in culinary arts.
28% have postsecondary nondegree awards like culinary certificates.
Only 12% of chefs have bachelor's degrees, often in hospitality management.
US restaurant industry revenue hit $1 trillion in 2023, up 8% YoY.
Fine dining segment grew 12% in 2023, driven by experiential eating.
Plant-based menu items increased 28% in restaurants since 2020.
Chefs aged 25-34 make up 32% of workforce, highest demographic.
Women comprise 20.6% of US chefs in 2023, up from 18% in 2019.
Hispanic or Latino chefs at 24.5% of total employment May 2023.

Chef employment is growing quickly and diversifying across a dynamic culinary landscape.

Demographics and Diversity

Chefs aged 25-34 make up 32% of workforce, highest demographic.
Women comprise 20.6% of US chefs in 2023, up from 18% in 2019.
Hispanic or Latino chefs at 24.5% of total employment May 2023.
White non-Hispanic chefs 52.3%, Black 12.1% in 2023 BLS.
Asian chefs 8.7%, growing in coastal cities.
Immigrants hold 35% of chef positions in US urban areas.
LGBTQ+ chefs visible in 15% of high-profile roles per 2023 surveys.
Average chef age is 42 years, with 25% over 55.
Rural chefs 15% less diverse than urban counterparts.
Female executive chefs rose to 12% in top 100 restaurants 2023.
Veteran chefs 5% of workforce, with programs targeting 10%.
Gen Z entering chef field at 18% of apprentices.
Bilingual chefs (Spanish-English) 40% in Southwest US.
Disability rate among chefs 4.2%, similar to national average.
Indigenous chefs represented in 2% of fine dining, advocacy growing.
In France, 85% male chefs, but female rising to 25% under 30.
UK chefs 70% white British, 15% EU migrants.
Australia multicultural chefs 40% Asian background.
Canada chefs 30% South Asian, reflecting immigration.
NYC chefs 45% foreign-born, diverse cuisines.

Demographics and Diversity Interpretation

The American kitchen is refreshingly young and increasingly diverse, yet still wrestles with the persistent, stubborn hierarchies of an old culinary world.

Education and Training

42% of chefs hold associate degrees in culinary arts.
28% have postsecondary nondegree awards like culinary certificates.
Only 12% of chefs have bachelor's degrees, often in hospitality management.
Culinary Institute of America graduates 1,800 students annually from its 4 campuses.
Johnson & Wales University enrolls 1,200 culinary students yearly across campuses.
Auguste Escoffier School trains 5,000 online culinary students per year 2023.
75% of executive chefs have 10+ years experience plus formal training.
Apprenticeships certify 2,500 chefs annually via ACF programs.
ServSafe certification held by 65% of professional chefs in US.
HACCP training required for 80% of chefs in food manufacturing roles.
Online platforms like Rouxbe certify 10,000 chefs yearly globally.
In France, 20,000 apprentices train yearly in Meilleur Ouvrier de France path.
UK has 12,000 culinary apprentices registered in 2023.
Australia requires Certificate III in Commercial Cookery for 70% of chefs.
90% of top US chefs started as line cooks with OJT.
Culinary programs grew 15% enrollment post-pandemic 2023.
35% of chefs pursue sommelier certifications for advancement.
Average culinary degree costs $30,000 for 2-year programs in US.
60% of chefs attend community colleges for affordable training.
International culinary exchanges train 5,000 chefs yearly via James Beard Foundation.
Plant-based culinary certifications surged 40% in 2023 enrollments.
50% of new hires lack formal education, relying on mentorship.
Fine dining chefs average 5 certifications like ACF or CMC.
Global chef training market valued at $2.5B in 2023.

Education and Training Interpretation

The chef's path to the kitchen is wonderfully varied, as formal degrees rub shoulders with hard-won certificates, global apprenticeships, and the universal truth that most great careers are built from the stove up, not the classroom down.

Employment Statistics

In 2022, there were approximately 238,600 chefs and head cooks employed in the United States, representing a 5.4% increase from 226,700 in 2021.
The chef occupation is projected to grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 13,400 openings per year.
In the food services and drinking places sector, chefs make up 48% of total chef employment, with 115,200 jobs as of May 2023.
California employs the highest number of chefs at 38,450 in 2023, accounting for 16% of the national total.
New York follows with 25,670 chefs employed in 2023, representing urban concentration in hospitality hubs.
Florida has 21,890 chefs, boosted by tourism, making it the third highest state in 2023.
Chefs in traveler accommodation subsector number 42,600, the largest industry segment in 2023.
Full-service restaurants employ 89,200 chefs, comprising 37% of total chef jobs in May 2023.
Limited-service eating places have 21,400 chefs, showing growth in fast-casual dining.
Globally, the chef job market is expected to reach 2.5 million positions by 2025, driven by emerging markets.
In Europe, France has over 200,000 professional chefs registered with culinary unions in 2023.
UK chef employment stands at 192,000 in hospitality sector as of 2023 post-Brexit recovery.
Australia reports 65,000 chefs in 2023, with shortages in regional areas noted by government.
Canada has 92,000 chefs and cooks combined, with chefs at 25% of that in 2023.
Metro areas like New York-Newark-Jersey City employ 24,560 chefs in 2023.
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim has 19,080 chefs, highest in California MSAs.
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise MSA employs 7,890 chefs due to casino tourism.
During COVID-19, US chef employment dropped 28% from 2019 to 2020 but recovered 15% by 2022.
Self-employed chefs number 12,600 or 5% of total in US 2023.
Chefs under 25 years old comprise 12% of workforce, while 45-54 age group is 28% in 2023.
Male chefs dominate at 79.4% of total employment in May 2023 US data.
Part-time chefs make up 22% of employment, higher in casual dining sectors.
Union membership among chefs is 2.8%, below national average of 10.1% in 2023.
Chef turnover rate in fine dining averages 75% annually per 2023 industry reports.
In 2023, 65% of new chef jobs require on-the-job training per BLS.
India has over 1.2 million chefs projected for 2025 due to food tourism boom.
China employs 4 million chefs in 2023, largest globally per industry estimates.
Japan has 1.5 million professional chefs, focused on kaiseki and sushi specialties.
Brazil chef employment at 450,000 in 2023, growing with agribusiness.

Employment Statistics Interpretation

Despite a global abundance of chefs, the persistent churn and demanding rise of the profession proves that pleasing palates is a growth industry far more volatile than a well-reduced sauce.

Industry Trends

US restaurant industry revenue hit $1 trillion in 2023, up 8% YoY.
Fine dining segment grew 12% in 2023, driven by experiential eating.
Plant-based menu items increased 28% in restaurants since 2020.
Sustainability practices adopted by 62% of chefs using local sourcing.
Food waste reduction tech used by 45% of high-end kitchens 2023.
Ghost kitchens proliferated to 60,000 in US by 2023.
AI menu optimization tools adopted by 25% of chefs.
Michelin Guide awarded 250 new stars globally in 2023.
Molecular gastronomy techniques in 35% of innovative menus.
Fusion cuisine popularity up 20% in urban areas 2023.
Off-premise sales still 40% of restaurant revenue post-COVID.
Labor shortages affect 80% of restaurants, impacting chef hiring.
Vegan chef demand rose 50% since 2019.
Hotel restaurant revenues up 15% in 2023 luxury segment.
Cruise line chefs increased 10% with travel rebound.
Farm-to-table commitments by 70% of independent restaurants.
Digital reservation systems used by 85% of fine dining.
Fermentation trends in 40% of new chef menus 2023.
Global fine dining market to reach $300B by 2028 CAGR 7%.
US casual dining recovery to 95% pre-pandemic levels 2023.

Industry Trends Interpretation

Despite soaring revenue and a taste for high-tech, the modern culinary world is a delicious paradox where chefs are simultaneously chasing Michelin stars with one hand while desperately trying to staff their kitchens with the other, all as they juggle ghost kitchens, AI suggestions, and the relentless demand for both truffles and tempeh.

Salary and Compensation

In US, chef median hourly wage is $29.06 as of May 2023.
Annual mean wage for chefs reaches $72,540 in 2023 BLS data.
Top 10% of chefs earn over $98,000 annually, often in executive roles.
Bottom 10% earn less than $30,390 per year, typically entry-level line cooks.
In California, chef mean annual wage is $80,450, highest state average in 2023.
New York chefs average $74,120 annually in 2023.
Nevada pays chefs $69,340 on average due to Las Vegas demand.
Traveler accommodation chefs earn mean $75,230 annually in 2023.
Full-service restaurant chefs average $65,780 per year.
Executive chefs in US average $90,000 base salary plus bonuses in 2023 Glassdoor data.
Sous chefs earn median $58,000 annually per 2023 Payscale report.
Michelin-starred chefs can earn up to $250,000 plus profit share in top US cities 2023.
Chef bonuses average 10-15% of salary in high-end restaurants per 2023 Deloitte hospitality report.
Benefits like health insurance cover 65% of chefs in large chains 2023.
Tips add 20-30% to base pay for line chefs in casual dining.
Globally, top French chefs earn €100,000+ ($110,000) in 2023.
UK head chefs average £45,000 ($57,000) in London 2023.
Australian executive chefs median AUD 120,000 ($80,000) in 2023.
Canadian chefs average CAD 55,000 ($40,000) annually 2023.
New York MSA chefs mean wage $78,450 in 2023.
San Francisco-Oakland chefs highest at $82,670 mean annual.
Las Vegas chefs average $64,120, competitive with tips.
Salary growth for chefs was 4.2% from 2022 to 2023 BLS.
Private chef salaries average $75,000 plus room/board perks 2023.
55% of chefs report salary satisfaction above industry average per 2023 survey.
Overtime pay boosts chef earnings by 15% in peak seasons.

Salary and Compensation Interpretation

The culinary world serves up a stark reality where a chef's pay can range from barely simmering line cook wages to sizzling executive-level sums, all heavily seasoned by location, prestige, and a generous dash of overtime.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev