How to Become a Chef – In 5 Steps

The title of chef carries considerable prestige, but the path to earning it requires precision and discipline.

Today’s culinary world integrates traditional cooking processes with modern technology.

That’s why education and experience are the two key factors that help chefs succeed.

That’s true whether you aspire to run a Michelin-starred restaurant or your dream is to own a food truck.

These are some steps you must take to become a professional chef.

Steps to Becoming a Chef

There are foundational steps necessary to become a professional chef.

To get there, you must learn the basics of cooking and practice them until you are proficient.

Chefs also need to understand the processes involved in running a kitchen and the roles of line cooks, sous-chefs, and chef de cuisine.

Not every chef starts their career getting a formal education.

Some start at the bottom of the kitchen and work their way up.

They all spend hours learning knife skills, recipe development, and preparation, and mastering a grill.

Step-By-Step

• Step One: Graduate from high school or pass the GED. Many of the fundamentals you learn in school are put to use when you become a chef, such as math and science. Employers will likely expect you to have completed this level of education, and most culinary schools require it.
• Step Two: Gain experience working in different roles in a kitchen. You can start while still in school. It helps you better understand how food preparation and kitchen management work.
• Step Three: Complete a Culinary Arts Program. There are programs at different levels available in person or online. Chef candidates can work towards everything from certifications to a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts.
• Step Four: Complete an Externship: An externship is typically part of the Culinary Arts program. They require students to get hands-on training in a commercial kitchen.
• Step Five: Specialize: Not every chef runs the kitchen pass or works the grill. Today’s culinary industry relies heavily on specialties, such as pastry chefs and sauciers. Your specialty may also be a specific cuisine style, such as Asian, Vegan, or Farm-to-Table. Specialization allows you to stand out in the industry. Once you choose a specialty, you can get additional training to master it, either by taking an online course or completing an apprenticeship.

The key to success in this field is to start early and work your way up through the ranks until you achieve your career goals as a chef.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Chef

The exact licensing requirements will vary by work location and employer.

There are some standard requirements for chefs, though.

• Food Handler’s Permit: A food handler’s permit is required in most states for anyone working with food. It is a state program often available online. Once you pass, you receive a food handler card valid for a set period. They typically must be renewed.
• Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM): CFPM is also a requirement in some states. This certification program covers food safety and health code compliance. It is for those in a leadership or training role.
• Health Certificate: Certain states require chefs to undergo a medical exam to confirm they are free of communicable diseases.
• ACF Professional Certification: The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers 13 certification levels that validate chefs’ expertise. Each level has a specific experience, qualification, and exam. ACF certification is not required, but it can help chefs advance in the industry.

Online Training Programs

Culinary education typically comes in two forms: traditional brick-and-mortar schools or the more flexible online programs.

Online chef training offers more flexibility and typically lower tuition costs.

The cost of an online culinary training program varies by school and depends on what you are looking to achieve.

Some programs offer certifications that you can earn faster and at a lower cost.

You can also work towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts.

Costs range from:

• Certification or Diploma: $100-$500 per individual class or certificate, or the cost may be as high as $20,000 for a specialization certification. For example, the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) charges $18,574 for its Health-Center Culinary Arts and Food Operations 16-week diploma program. There is an additional $2,188 for books and fees. Their eight-week Hospitality Management program costs $14,408.
• Associate’s Degrees: Total costs may range from $25,000 to $35,000, depending on the school. CIA charges $25,070 for its 22-month Associate Degree program, plus an additional $2,429 for books and fees.
• Bachelor’s Degrees: One can expect to pay as much as $60,000 for an online bachelor’s degree program. For instance, JWUOnline offers a 120-credit BA program for $495 per credit hour. That totals $59,400.

Culinary Schools that Offer Online Training

Many prestigious culinary schools offer online courses, including the CIA and Johnson & Wales University (JWU).

Some other programs worth considering include:

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Escoffier is the largest culinary school in the US.

It was ranked among the Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in the US by Niche.com.

This program is 100% online.

The school offers both a diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations and an Associate degree in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts.

After completing your online studies, you get hands-on training doing a 15-week externship.

The diploma program costs $23,980, and the Associate’s degree costs $36,225.

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE)

Ice is ranked among the top culinary schools in the country.

Their online program is led by school alumni who operate commercial kitchens worldwide.

Some of the online instructors include well-known industry names such as Marc Murphy, Daniel Boulud, and Marcus Samuelsson.

ICE offers five diploma programs and three Associate Degree programs, including one in Culinary Arts & Food Operations.

Costs range from $20,250 to $28,500.

Salary

Chef salaries will vary greatly by location and employer.

On average, chefs in the US make from $58,000 to $60,000.

Executive chefs will make $70,000+ in most states.

Location and industry are major influencers when it comes to pay.

For example, chefs and head chefs in California earn an average of $32.28 per hour, or $67,150 annually.

In New York, that number increases to $32.89 per hour or $68,410 a year.

Industry also influences salary ranges.

Chefs at resorts and hotels earn an average of $73,300.

Working at a restaurant can mean making less money.

The average pay for head chefs there is around $58,560 or $28.15 per hour.

The key to success in the culinary industry is starting your training early and working across multiple roles to gain experience.

Today, you can begin that journey online for less money than traditional classes at a culinary school and then continue to hone your craft as you move up the ranks.

Professional chefs never really stop improving their skills in the kitchen.

They tend to be students for life.

Advanced training and dedication to discovering new foods and developing new recipes are what separate a good cook from a chef.

Salary Information by State

* Salary data reflects the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Chefs and Head Cooks, OCC Code 35-1011, BLS.
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.

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