How Much Does a Hot Food Chef make?

Hot Food Chef made a median salary around $44,022 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $49,583 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $38,955. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Best-Paying Cities for Hot Food Chef

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Hot Food Chef profession are Adams , Athena , Cove , Elgin , Imbler .
Adams, OR $44,445
Athena, OR $44,445
Cove, OR $44,445
Elgin, OR $44,445
Imbler, OR $44,445

Best-Paying States for Hot Food Chef

The states and districts that pay Hot Food Chef the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $47,022) , California (around $46,599) , New Jersey (around $46,304) , Alaska (around $46,008) , and Massachusetts (around $45,966) .
District of Columbia $47,022
California $46,599
New Jersey $46,304
Alaska $46,008
Massachusetts $45,966

What is the Career Path of Hot Food Chef?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Hot Food Chef, the first career path typically starts with a Sous Chef position , and then progresses to Kitchen Manager.

Additionally, the second career path typically progresses to Pastry Chef.

Besides, Hot Food Chef can also turn to other related jobs, including Sous Chef , Executive Chef , Pastry Chef and Assistant Chef .

Frequently Asked Questions for Hot Food Chef

Q: What is the salary range of Hot Food Chef in Portland, OR?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Hot Food Chef in Portland, OR earned an average annual salary of $38,955 , while the highest-paid made $49,583.
Q: What is the salary for a Hot Food Chef in California?
A: Hot Food Chef employed in California earned an average salary of $46,599 in 2024.

Average Hot Food Chef Pay vs. Other Jobs

Hot Food Chef earned an average salary of $44,022 in 2024. Other jobs related to Hot Food Chef earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Sous Chef made $54,790 , Executive Chef made $103,297 , Pastry Chef and Assistant Chef made $71,357 and $54,800 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Hot Food Chef

Sous Chef - Average Salary $54,790
Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in the daily kitchen operations including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control, and sanitation. Oversees the activities of the kitchen staff and monitors food production and presentation. Being a Sous Chef resolves operational issues. Performs quality checks on ingredients and prepared dishes. Additionally, Sous Chef complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. May require an associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to an executive chef. The Sous Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. To be a Sous Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Executive Chef - Average Salary $103,297
Executive Chef directs and oversees kitchen operations, including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control and sanitation. Creates and updates menus that will appeal to customers, utilize seasonal ingredients, and maximize profits. Being an Executive Chef develops and tests new recipes. Solicits and studies customer feedback to maintain high standards of quality and satisfaction. Additionally, Executive Chef troubleshoots and resolves operational issues. Complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to top management. The Executive Chef typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be an Executive Chef typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Pastry Chef - Average Salary $71,357
Pastry Chef leads the production and presentation of pastries and baked goods including sourcing, purchasing, inventory, and cost control. Develops and tests recipes and sources ingredients to create unique pastries and baked goods. Being a Pastry Chef creates dessert menus that complement meal offerings, appeal to diners and maximize profits. Follows all applicable guidelines and regulations for food handling and safety. Additionally, Pastry Chef maintains a clean and orderly workstation and kitchen equipment. May require an associate degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to an executive chef. The Pastry Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. To be a Pastry Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision.
Assistant Chef - Average Salary $54,800
The Assistant Chef oversees the activities of the kitchen staff and monitors food production and presentation in the absence of the Executive Chef. Assists the Executive Chef in the daily operations of the kitchen, including menu development, inventory and purchasing of supplies, and cost control. Being an Assistant Chef coordinates and participates in the activities of hiring, training, and managing personnel in the kitchen. Requires an understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation regulations. In addition, Assistant Chef may serve as an expeditor when needed. May require a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to an Executive Chef. The Assistant Chef supervises a small group of para-professional staff in an organization characterized by highly transactional or repetitive processes. Contributes to the development of processes and procedures. Thorough knowledge of functional area under supervision. Working as an Assistant Chef typically requires 3 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor.
Chef Boulanger - Average Salary $71,400
The Chef Boulanger tests and develops recipes. Directs and oversees the pastry and baking functions of the kitchen(s), including menu development, inventory and purchasing of supplies, and cost control. Being a Chef Boulanger may be responsible for the creation of dessert menus to maximize profits and minimize loss. Monitors customer satisfaction. In addition, Chef Boulanger requires an understanding of federal, state, and local food sanitation regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to an Executive Chef. The Chef Boulanger manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Chef Boulanger typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.