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Executive chef vs private chef

The differences between executive chefs and private chefs can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an executive chef and a private chef. Additionally, an executive chef has an average salary of $59,416, which is higher than the $51,657 average annual salary of a private chef.

The top three skills for an executive chef include culinary, food preparation and customer service. The most important skills for a private chef are kitchen equipment, culinary, and cuisine.

Executive chef vs private chef overview

Executive ChefPrivate Chef
Yearly salary$59,416$51,657
Hourly rate$28.57$24.84
Growth rate15%15%
Number of jobs83,08520,132
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Associate Degree, 48%
Average age4242
Years of experience66

Executive chef vs private chef salary

Executive chefs and private chefs have different pay scales, as shown below.

Executive ChefPrivate Chef
Average salary$59,416$51,657
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $87,000Between $34,000 And $77,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateHawaii-
Best paying companyBridgewater Associates-
Best paying industryHospitality-

Differences between executive chef and private chef education

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

Executive ChefPrivate Chef
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 56%Associate Degree, 48%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsCulinary Arts
Most common collegeDrexel UniversityCornell University

Executive chef vs private chef demographics

Here are the differences between executive chefs' and private chefs' demographics:

Executive ChefPrivate Chef
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 87.5% Female, 12.5%Male, 58.8% Female, 41.2%
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, 10.1% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between executive chef and private chef 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.
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Private chef example responsibilities.

  • Control food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability.
  • Prepare innovative vegan and children's menus.
  • Provide demonstrations, caterings, and in-home cooking classes.
  • Shop for groceries on daily basis for each day's meals.
  • Source the freshest suppliers, procurement facilities, local farmers and groceries.
  • Tailor gluten-free and vegan offerings for special needs and provide child friendly-healthy snacks.
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Executive chef vs private chef skills

Common executive chef skills
  • Culinary, 14%
  • Food Preparation, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Kitchen Operations, 6%
  • Food Safety, 5%
  • Food Service, 5%
Common private chef skills
  • Kitchen Equipment, 20%
  • Culinary, 13%
  • Cuisine, 7%
  • Food Preparation, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 4%
  • Diet Restrictions, 4%

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