Personal Chefs

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the May 2018 median annual salary for cooks in private households was $37,590, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $25,610 and the top 10 percent earning more than $62,600 annually. PayScale.com reports that median earnings for personal chefs were $42,973 in March 2020. Earnings ranged from less than $30,642 to $95,017 or more.

Personal chefs usually sell their services as a package deal—typically $250 to $275 for a two-week dinner plan that includes 20 individual meals, with a fee of $10 to $15 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.