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Chef/owner vs prep chef

The differences between chef/owners and prep chefs can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a chef/owner and a prep chef. Additionally, a chef/owner has an average salary of $45,199, which is higher than the $25,941 average annual salary of a prep chef.

The top three skills for a chef/owner include menu planning, kitchen equipment and cuisine. The most important skills for a prep chef are kitchen equipment, dishes, and cleanliness.

Chef/owner vs prep chef overview

Chef/OwnerPrep Chef
Yearly salary$45,199$25,941
Hourly rate$21.73$12.47
Growth rate15%15%
Number of jobs64,18352,624
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age4242
Years of experience66

Chef/owner vs prep chef salary

Chef/owners and prep chefs have different pay scales, as shown below.

Chef/OwnerPrep Chef
Average salary$45,199$25,941
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $76,000Between $17,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between chef/owner and prep chef education

There are a few differences between a chef/owner and a prep chef in terms of educational background:

Chef/OwnerPrep Chef
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 45%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsCulinary Arts
Most common collegeBoston UniversityDrexel University

Chef/owner vs prep chef demographics

Here are the differences between chef/owners' and prep chefs' demographics:

Chef/OwnerPrep Chef
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 71.7% Female, 28.3%Male, 67.1% Female, 32.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 9.8% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 10.2% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between chef/owner and prep chef duties and responsibilities

Chef/owner example responsibilities.

  • Participate and train staff and colleagues to accomplish different level of ACF certification CEC, CEPC.
  • Control food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability.
  • Establish and operate an historic inn including a 40 seat restaurant offering French/California inspire cuisine focuse on seasonal local ingredient menus.
  • Insure that students understand the depth and scope of all class materials as outlined in the syllabus.
  • Edit, revise and correct lesson plans to reflect requirements on the syllabus and ensure lesson plans match the competencies require.
  • Own and operate successful gourmet restaurant/bakery/catering service
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Prep chef example responsibilities.

  • Manage a kitchen of military personal and Japanese civilian chefs.
  • Work using fryers, boilers, grill, ovens, steamers, mixers.
  • Instruct new employees in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of food.
  • Maintain highest level of cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Maintain cleanliness of station, ensuring sanitary conditions.
  • Create and prepare international cuisine for executive clientele by using ingenuity, organization, efficiency in production and attention to detail
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Chef/owner vs prep chef skills

Common chef/owner skills
  • Menu Planning, 25%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 16%
  • Cuisine, 5%
  • Payroll, 5%
  • Food Preparation, 5%
  • Fine Dining, 4%
Common prep chef skills
  • Kitchen Equipment, 33%
  • Dishes, 30%
  • Cleanliness, 18%
  • Food Service, 10%
  • Dinner Service, 2%
  • Prep List, 1%

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