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RetailTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Chef and Head Cook

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

Annual openings

632

Median wage

$65,400

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. Work experience as a cook is usually required.

Previous experience as a Chef and Head Cook is highly valued by Public Health employers when hiring a Compliance Officer/Inspector.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Culinary

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
  2. Instruct cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking, garnishing, or presentation of food.
  3. Supervise or coordinate activities of cooks or workers engaged in food preparation.
  4. Order or requisition food or other supplies needed to ensure efficient operation.
  5. Inspect supplies, equipment, or work areas to ensure conformance to established standards.
  6. Check the quantity and quality of received products.

Also includes

Specializations that share this occupation’s labor-market data.

  • Executive Chef
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