Median / Average Pay ($)
- $23.94 / hour (BLS.gov)
- $25.54 / hour (Talent.com)
- $34.01 / hour (Indeed.com)
- $43.45 / hour (ZipRecruiter.com)
Services Provided
- Menu Planning/Meal Prep – Customizing meals and their ingredients to the personal tastes of the client while observing dietary restrictions, either for immediate consumption or stored for future meals.
- Ingredient Sourcing – Seeking and obtaining high-quality ingredients from markets, farms, specialty stores, and other grocery sources.
- In-Home Dining – Preparing meals in the client’s home for special occasions (i.e., birthdays), intimate gatherings, or private consumption, often requiring multi-course planning and wine and food pairings.
- Special Diet/Nutritional Services – Devising and cooking meals that meet specific nutritional requirements (such as keto, vegan, etc.), medical conditions, and allergies.
- Small Event Catering – Developing a multi-course meal for small private events, such as a corporate meeting or themed dinner, then serving the meals sometimes while coordinating with server or bartender requirements.
- Cooking Classes – Hosting and conducting cooking, meal preparation, and serving classes to a single client or small group of clients.
- Kitchen Management – Stocking kitchens or pantries, consulting with clients regarding the equipment used, and ensuring a clean, organized environment before, during, and after service.
- Travel Chef – Travelling to or with clients to provide specialized meals during trips occasionally requires equipment for unique conditions, such as those of a yacht or private jet.