Post job

Executive chef vs front of house manager

The differences between executive chefs and front of house managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an executive chef, becoming a front of house manager takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an executive chef has an average salary of $59,416, which is higher than the $41,163 average annual salary of a front of house manager.

The top three skills for an executive chef include culinary, food preparation and customer service. The most important skills for a front of house manager are cleanliness, guest satisfaction, and wine.

Executive chef vs front of house manager overview

Executive ChefFront Of House Manager
Yearly salary$59,416$41,163
Hourly rate$28.57$19.79
Growth rate15%10%
Number of jobs83,085221,210
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4239
Years of experience64

What does an executive chef do?

Executive chefs are considered the lead chefs in a restaurant. They manage the restaurant's kitchen, including all other chefs employed by the restaurant. Executive chefs are in charge of creating menu items and ensuring that the restaurant's menu is in line with the restaurant's identity. They handle the management of the pantry and ensure that it is well-stocked. They also ensure that all kitchen equipment and fixtures are working well. Executive chefs are responsible for training new chefs on the job to ensure consistent food quality.

What does a front of house manager do?

A front of house manager coordinates and supervises the front house team. Front of house managers make sure that every client receives a warm welcome. They see to it that all house services are performed smoothly. The scope of their duties and responsibilities may involve the recruitment of team members. They carry out administrative tasks in an organization or establishment such as a theater, concert hall, or restaurant. It is their job to handle the preparation and daily operations of these areas.

Executive chef vs front of house manager salary

Executive chefs and front of house managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Executive ChefFront Of House Manager
Average salary$59,416$41,163
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $87,000Between $27,000 And $61,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateHawaiiNew York
Best paying companyBridgewater AssociatesCisco
Best paying industryHospitalityHospitality

Differences between executive chef and front of house manager education

There are a few differences between an executive chef and a front of house manager in terms of educational background:

Executive ChefFront Of House Manager
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsBusiness
Most common collegeDrexel University-

Executive chef vs front of house manager demographics

Here are the differences between executive chefs' and front of house managers' demographics:

Executive ChefFront Of House Manager
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 87.5% Female, 12.5%Male, 42.0% Female, 58.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 10.8% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 8.3% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage9%10%

Differences between executive chef and front of house manager duties and responsibilities

Executive chef example responsibilities.

  • Manage a kitchen of military personal and Japanese civilian chefs.
  • Cater off-premise events, parties, holiday dinners and seasonal BBQ cookouts.
  • Own and operate a full charge BBQ catering business from a 30 foot mobile kitchen.
  • Close high percentage of sales opportunities for large builder and designer accounts with strategic VIP events.
  • Supervise high volume and VIP catering events to include black tie, charity and outdoor events.
  • Create systems to control BOH operations including: purchasing, receiving, storage, inventory & food cost tracking.
  • Show more

Front of house manager example responsibilities.

  • Plan and manage all windows design and implementations.
  • Manage a dedicate Linux web server; install new vhosts accounts including a cpanel via WHM software.
  • Manage the development of a hybrid Linux desktop deploy to an acquire company to aid in application integration.
  • Manage and full responsible for the daily operation of all bars outlet, main bar, and banquet bar service.
  • Manage all holiday reservations and seating including staffing of all cater events.
  • Manage daily operations of the front-of-the-house functions in the restaurant, including appearance, presentation, customer experience and professional leadership.
  • Show more

Executive chef vs front of house manager skills

Common executive chef skills
  • Culinary, 14%
  • Food Preparation, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Kitchen Operations, 6%
  • Food Safety, 5%
  • Food Service, 5%
Common front of house manager skills
  • Cleanliness, 16%
  • Guest Satisfaction, 8%
  • Wine, 8%
  • Guest Service, 8%
  • POS, 7%
  • Customer Service, 6%

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs