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Job outlook for pantry chefs in the United States
Pantry chef job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected pantry chef job growth rate is 15% from 2018-2028.
About 23,600 new jobs for pantry chefs are projected over the next decade.
Pantry chef salaries have increased 24% for pantry chefs in the last 5 years.
There are over 42,587 pantry chefs currently employed in the United States.
There are 20,685 active pantry chef job openings in the US.
The average pantry chef salary is $31,766.
Are pantry chef jobs in demand?
Pantry chef job and salary trends over time
Pantry chef jobs over time
Pantry chef job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 42,587 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 34,014 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 42,964 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 42,835 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 43,395 | 0.01% |
Average pantry chef salary over time
Pantry chef salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,766 | $15.27 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $30,665 | $14.74 | +6.3% |
| 2023 | $28,838 | $13.86 | +5.5% |
| 2022 | $27,345 | $13.15 | +6.4% |
| 2021 | $25,696 | $12.35 | +4.0% |
Pantry chef jobs by state
Most common states for pantry chefs
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 65 | 9% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 49 | 7% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 37 | 4% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 81 | 3% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 20 | 3% |
| 6 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 438 | 2% |
| 7 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 425 | 2% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 199 | 2% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 184 | 2% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 174 | 2% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 156 | 2% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 148 | 2% |
| 13 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 133 | 2% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 132 | 2% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 125 | 2% |
| 16 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 81 | 2% |
| 17 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 71 | 2% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 31 | 2% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 23 | 2% |
| 20 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 14 | 2% |
Most common cities for pantry chefs
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $29,928 |
Pantry Chef job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of pantry chef experts
San Diego Mesa College
PattiCakes Bakery and Stoby's Restaurant
University of New Mexico - Taos
Tonya Whitfield
Professor Culinary Arts/ Culinary Management San Diego Mesa CollegeSan Diego Mesa College
Culinary Arts And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Pantry Chef?
Tonya Whitfield: The more skills you can obtain while in college and/or training the higher the wage. For example, I trained in classical culinary techniques. My college offers certificates that specialize in Meat & Seafood fabrication and Baking & Pastry. Why not take that extra class or two to gain more technical training to make me more of a value higher. My pay is higher due to my skill being more. Plus, I am saving the employer training hours which will benefit for higher pay.
What general advice would you give to a Pantry Chef?
Patti Stobaugh: Being humble and willing to learn will take you far in your career, not just in the beginning. If you have the desire to open your own food service business, go to work for a business that has a great reputation. That will give you the opportunity to learn so much.
Karla Nardi
Program CoordinatorUniversity of New Mexico - Taos
Department of Culinary Arts
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Pantry Chefs in the next 3-5 years?
Karla Nardi: All technology is essential to the restaurant industry. In the next 3-5 years, the programs that assist with cost controls will be crucial. Changes that are happening now will be affecting us for years to come, so keeping your eye on the bottom line will be even more critical if you want to survive and succeed.