Personal Chefs

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the May 2023 median annual salary for cooks in private households was $42,590, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $27,140 and the top 10 percent earning more than $87,410 annually.

Personal chefs usually sell their services as a package deal—typically $300 to $400, or more, for a two-week dinner plan that includes 20 individual meals, with added fees for each additional meal. A complete package may take a full day to prepare. This may seem like a very good wage, but it's important to remember that personal chefs must pay for the groceries. Though they will be able to save some money by buying staples in bulk, and by planning their menus efficiently, they'll also be spending a lot on fresh meat, fish, and vegetables. One-third or less of a personal chef's 10-meal package fee will go toward the expense of its ingredients.

Since personal chefs operate their own businesses, they generally do not receive paid sick days or holidays. In addition, they are typically responsible for providing their own insurance and retirement plans.