Post job

Prep chef vs private chef

The differences between prep 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 a prep chef and a private chef. Additionally, a private chef has an average salary of $51,657, which is higher than the $25,941 average annual salary of a prep chef.

The top three skills for a prep chef include kitchen equipment, dishes and cleanliness. The most important skills for a private chef are kitchen equipment, culinary, and cuisine.

Prep chef vs private chef overview

Prep ChefPrivate Chef
Yearly salary$25,941$51,657
Hourly rate$12.47$24.84
Growth rate15%15%
Number of jobs52,62420,132
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%Associate Degree, 48%
Average age4242
Years of experience66

Prep chef vs private chef salary

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

Prep ChefPrivate Chef
Average salary$25,941$51,657
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $39,000Between $34,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between prep chef and private chef education

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

Prep ChefPrivate Chef
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 31%Associate Degree, 48%
Most common majorCulinary ArtsCulinary Arts
Most common collegeDrexel UniversityCornell University

Prep chef vs private chef demographics

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

Prep ChefPrivate Chef
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 67.1% Female, 32.9%Male, 58.8% Female, 41.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 10.2% White, 56.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%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 prep chef and private chef duties and responsibilities

Prep chef example responsibilities.

  • Manage a kitchen of military personal and Japanese civilian chefs.
  • Work using fryers, boilers, grill, ovens, steamers, mixers.
  • Instruct new employees in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, and presentation of food.
  • Maintain highest level of cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Maintain cleanliness of station, ensuring sanitary conditions.
  • Create and prepare international cuisine for executive clientele by using ingenuity, organization, efficiency in production and attention to detail
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Prep chef vs private chef skills

Common prep chef skills
  • Kitchen Equipment, 33%
  • Dishes, 30%
  • Cleanliness, 18%
  • Food Service, 10%
  • Dinner Service, 2%
  • Prep List, 1%
Common private chef skills
  • Kitchen Equipment, 20%
  • Culinary, 13%
  • Cuisine, 7%
  • Food Preparation, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 4%
  • Diet Restrictions, 4%

Browse food preparation and restaurant jobs