Cooks and Chefs

Overall, employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all careers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The demand for cooks and chefs will grow as the population increases, consumers demand healthier and higher-quality dishes, and lifestyles change. As people earn higher incomes and have more leisure time, they dine out more often and take more vacations. In addition, working parents and their families dine out, or purchase prepared food from grocery or specialty food stores, frequently as a convenience.

Job opportunities for lower-level cooks and food preparation workers will also grow faster than the average for all occupations during 2023 to 2033, and employment for fast food cooks will decline by 14 percent during this time span. Despite these predictions, turnover rates are high and the need to find replacement cooks and chefs will create good employment opportunities.