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Head chef vs sushi chef

The differences between head chefs and sushi 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 head chef and a sushi chef. Additionally, a head chef has an average salary of $45,470, which is higher than the $42,969 average annual salary of a sushi chef.

The top three skills for a head chef include kitchen operations, culinary and dinner service. The most important skills for a sushi chef are quality standards, cleanliness, and kitchen equipment.

Head chef vs sushi chef overview

Head ChefSushi Chef
Yearly salary$45,470$42,969
Hourly rate$21.86$20.66
Growth rate15%15%
Number of jobs27,33117,846
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age4242
Years of experience66

What does a head chef do?

A head chef is responsible for the overall culinary satisfaction and dining experience of the guests. Head chefs manage the food production, starting from the preparation to the final presentation. They regularly research the current food trends to adapt to their innovative expertise, creating different cuisines to meet the guests' preferences. They also manage the kitchen staff, delegate tasks, and ensure the adequacy of food ingredients and supplies. A head chef must have excellent communication and organizational skills, adhering to the highest sanitation procedures, and responding to the guests' inquiries and concerns.

What does a sushi chef do?

Sushi Chefs mainly work in restaurants, cafes, country clubs, pubs, five-star hotels, grocery shops, etc. A sushi Chef uses various fish-slicing and sushi rolling methods to prepare a huge amount of sushi dishes as per the choice of clients.

Head chef vs sushi chef salary

Head chefs and sushi chefs have different pay scales, as shown below.

Head ChefSushi Chef
Average salary$45,470$42,969
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $71,000Between $27,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityWellesley, MABridgewater, NJ
Highest paying stateHawaiiNew Jersey
Best paying companySociety for Industrial and Applied MathematicsSailfish Club of Florida
Best paying industryHealth CareConstruction

Differences between head chef and sushi chef education

There are a few differences between a head chef and a sushi chef in terms of educational background:

Head ChefSushi Chef
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsCulinary Arts
Most common collegeDrexel UniversityDrexel University

Head chef vs sushi chef demographics

Here are the differences between head chefs' and sushi chefs' demographics:

Head ChefSushi Chef
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 79.8% Female, 20.2%Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 11.2% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 26.6% White, 40.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between head chef and sushi chef duties and responsibilities

Head chef example responsibilities.

  • Hire, train, and manage a staff of cooks, also train servers and cross train dishwashers.
  • Manage a kitchen of military personal and Japanese civilian chefs.
  • Supervise, coordinate and direct all culinary activities within the food service department.
  • Work manned omelet and brunch stations in dining room.
  • Develop HACCP plans for every fresh item carry on premises.
  • Assist with setup and break down of equipment for parties, meetings and brunch.
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Sushi chef example responsibilities.

  • Skil at managing kitchen operations and complying with culinary standards.
  • Manage a kitchen of military personal and Japanese civilian chefs.
  • Restock the buffet with the different items as they run low.
  • Develop variety of menu items catering to customers with food allergies and diet restrictions.
  • Gain knowledge of all nigiri's, popular rolls, and creation of special rolls.
  • Mass produce specific sushi rolls as well as specially order individual rolls, hands rolls and sashimi cuts.
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Head chef vs sushi chef skills

Common head chef skills
  • Kitchen Operations, 27%
  • Culinary, 9%
  • Dinner Service, 6%
  • Food Service, 5%
  • Cuisine, 3%
  • Safety Standards, 3%
Common sushi chef skills
  • Quality Standards, 15%
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Kitchen Equipment, 12%
  • Food Handling, 10%
  • Culinary, 8%
  • Food Storage, 8%

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