Master cook vs master chef

The differences between master cooks and master chefs can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a master cook, becoming a master chef takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a master chef has an average salary of $42,525, which is higher than the $34,732 average annual salary of a master cook.

The top three skills for a master cook include kitchen equipment, customer service and culinary. The most important skills for a master chef are dinner service, food products, and cuisine.

Master cook vs master chef overview

	Master Cook	Master Chef
Yearly salary	$34,732	$42,525
Hourly rate	$16.70	$20.44
Growth rate	16%	15%
Number of jobs	149,906	26,517
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age	38	42
Years of experience	4	6

Master cook vs master chef salary

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

	Master Cook	Master Chef
Average salary	$34,732	$42,525
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $45,000	Between $26,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between master cook and master chef education

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

	Master Cook	Master Chef
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 50%	Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common major	Culinary Arts	Culinary Arts
Most common college	-	Drexel University

Master cook vs master chef demographics

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

	Master Cook	Master Chef
Average age	38	42
Gender ratio	Male, 78.2% Female, 21.8%	Male, 66.8% Female, 33.2%
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, 11.2% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 12.4% White, 53.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	6%	9%

Differences between master cook and master chef 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.

Master chef example responsibilities.

Integrate key culinary leaders into casino and food and beverage operations, achieving positive results and industry awards.
Serve American traditional cuisine in a family, shared-plate orientation while providing excellent customer service and mingling with high priority customers.
Specialize in Italian, Mediterranean and French/Classical bistro establishments.

Master cook vs master chef skills

Common master cook skills

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

Common master chef skills

Dinner Service, 32%
Food Products, 24%
Cuisine, 24%
Food Service, 12%
BBQ, 9%

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Master Cook vs Master Chef

Updated January 8, 2025

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