Master cook vs assistant cook

The differences between master cooks and assistant cooks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a master cook and an assistant cook. Additionally, a master cook has an average salary of $34,732, which is higher than the $34,244 average annual salary of an assistant cook.

The top three skills for a master cook include kitchen equipment, customer service and culinary. The most important skills for an assistant cook are food handling, kitchen equipment, and dishes.

Master cook vs assistant cook overview

	Master Cook	Assistant Cook
Yearly salary	$34,732	$34,244
Hourly rate	$16.70	$16.46
Growth rate	16%	16%
Number of jobs	149,906	190,245
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	38	38
Years of experience	4	4

Master cook vs assistant cook salary

Master cooks and assistant cooks have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Master Cook	Assistant Cook
Average salary	$34,732	$34,244
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	Between $26,000 And $43,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	-	Hospitality

Differences between master cook and assistant cook education

There are a few differences between a master cook and an assistant cook in terms of educational background:

	Master Cook	Assistant Cook
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	-

Master cook vs assistant cook demographics

Here are the differences between master cooks' and assistant cooks' demographics:

	Master Cook	Assistant Cook
Average age	38	38
Gender ratio	Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%	Male, 45.5% Female, 54.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.5% Asian, 9.5% White, 51.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 8.6% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between master cook and assistant cook duties and responsibilities

Master cook example responsibilities.

Inventory and run register, check merchandise in when arrive in facility.
Mentore cooks and other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of food.
Contribute innovated ideas for new and unique cuisine and presentation techniques.
Maintain and follow proper hygiene and sanitation standards.

Assistant cook example responsibilities.

Operate mixers and manage ingredients to meet product quality and uniformity standards.
Operate stoves, food processors, steamers, slices, ovens.
Ensure ovens and stoves are clean and ready for use.
Train new and current cooks on menu conversion, garnishing, and food presentation.
Prepare and deliver food trays to hospital patients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Supervise and maintain HACCP standards, training processes for cooks and monitor aspects of contract compliance.

Master cook vs assistant cook skills

Common master cook skills

Kitchen Equipment, 19%
Customer Service, 18%
Culinary, 12%
Food Quality, 7%
Food Products, 6%
Cooking Techniques, 5%

Common assistant cook skills

Food Handling, 12%
Kitchen Equipment, 11%
Dishes, 9%
Food Service, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Cleanliness, 6%

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Master Cook vs Assistant Cook

Updated January 8, 2025

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