"As long as my boss pretends that my salary is high, I'll pretend that I have much work to do!" -Unknown
When we apply for a job, one of the first things we look for and pay attention to is the yearly or monthly salary. Based on our accreditations and our experience in a specific field, it is reasonable to expect a certain amount of month. However, we never want to accept a salary that is too low for us since it can be said that our worth is based on how much we are paid.
Also, it's important to state that some sectors of employment offer higher entry-level salaries compared to other fields. Such as? Medicine, law, and finance usually pay their employees more than other sectors depending on their degrees.
But, how much does a chef make in the UK? Without further delay, in today's article, we will discuss chef hierarchy and how much money chefs may make per year across restaurants in the United Kingdom.
How Many Different Chef Ranks are There?
It's worth mentioning that, like most employment positions, there are different types of chefs with their unique roles and differences. However, having various chefs establishes a hierarchy in the kitchen, and all tasks are accomplished more smoothly since everyone knows what they are doing.
But, what are the different kinds of chefs out there in the culinary industry? Without delaying the matter any further, the following list mentions the classifications of chefs out there:
- Executive Chef,
- Head Chef,
- Deputy Chef (also known as Sous Chef),
- Station Chef,
- Junior Chef,
- Kitchen Porter,
- Purchasing Manager.
Also, the term Station Chef is more commonly known as Chef de Partie in the culinary world, and since there are various stations in the kitchen, there are many types of Chef de Partie that may include the following:
- Butcher,
- Fish Chef,
- Fry Chef,
- Grill Chef,
- Pantry Chef,
- Roast Chef,
- Saute Chef,
- Vegetable Chef,
- Pastry Chef.
What is the Hierarchy of Chefs in the Kitchen?
Depending on the article you read or the kitchen you are working for, there may be different hierarchy rules that must be adhered to. For instance, some professionals claim that there are ten, 13, or even 15 distinct chef roles in the kitchen. The number of roles in the kitchen, especially if there is a lot, may confuse new chefs.
But, why do some mention more chef roles and others less? Well, that's because some kitchens may combine several types of chefs or even separate a station into several stations.
Nonetheless, it's worth mentioning that there is a standardised hierarchy in most kitchens known as The Brigade System.
The Brigade System was created by Georges-Auguste Escoffier and was brought to European kitchens in the 19th century.
The brigade de cuisine ensures that everybody knows their role and who persons in the kitchen must respond to. Having a hierarchy system like The Brigade Method helps kitchens maximise efficiency and work like a well-oiled machine.
The following list is an example of The Brigade System and helps us to get a better idea of how everyone ranks in the kitchen in numerical order:
- Chef de Cuisine or Executive Chef: the head of the kitchen and oversees all the tasks. Also, the chef who creates and tastes everything.
- Sous-chef or Deputy Chef: the chef that works directly under the Head of the Kitchen, and they are often in charge when the Executive Chef isn't present.
- Chef de partie or Station Chef: since there are various stations in the kitchen, there is the possibility of having many Station Chefs specialising in fish, meat, and vegetables.
- Commis or Junior Cook: also works in a specific station, yet they respond to the Station Chef.
- Apprentie or Apprentice: hired by the Executive or Deputy Chef, the Apprentice chef responds to the chef they are working with at a particular moment.
- Patissier or Pastry Chef: prepares desserts and sweets; the Pastry Chef usually responds to the Executive Chef although they tend to work on their own and get things done when necessary since it's a unique department.
It's worth mentioning that only large cooking establishments may boast all the roles in the previously mentioned list. In addition, some kitchens may combine functions to save money.
The Best Chefs in the World
When learning about how to become a chef or the hierarchy and salaries of culinary experts, it's also vital to talk about the world's most accomplished chefs. Why's that? When studying to become a chef, it's a brilliant idea to have role models that you can look up to and strive to imitate in your way.
While there are plenty of well-known websites, magazines, blogs, and videos that create lists that mention the best chefs globally, the Michelin star guide is often viewed as the most trustworthy resource to consider when ranking chefs and restaurants of quality.
Therefore, based on the number of Michelin stars they have received, the following list draws attention to the five most accomplished chefs from recent history, whether dead or alive:
- Joel Robuchon: having achieved a whopping 31 Michelin stars, Robuchon was often considered the best chef of his generation and, according to some media outlets, the most excellent cook of the century. Hailing from France, Robuchon has opened many restaurants worldwide and is a pioneer of the French cuisine industry.
- Alain Ducasse: second to Joel Robuchon and from France is Alain Ducasse, who has received 21 Michelin stars. Ducasse has continually maintained his number of stars and is recognised by many as the chef who fed astronauts on the ISS in 2015.
- Gordon Ramsay: probably the most recognisable name and face on this list, Gordon Ramsay has become famous for his television performances that boast his fiery personality. However, Ramsay is also a top-notch chef, having received a cumulative total of 16 Michelin stars.
- Martin Berasategui: a winner of eight Michelin stars, Berasategui has been recognised as the most outstanding Spanish chef of all time. His cuisine focuses on elements from the Spanish region of Basque. In addition, he is considered an artist for how his plates are decorated.
- Carme Ruscalleda: the only woman on this list, Carme Ruscalleda is a Spanish chef who currently has seven Michelin stars. She prefers cooking using fresh ingredients from the farm and specialises in Catalan cuisine.
By looking at the career, restaurants, and signature meals of the previously mentioned award-winning and famous chefs, aspiring culinary workers develop an appreciation for food and learn from the techniques of the masters.
The Average Salary of a Chef in the United Kingdom
It's worth mentioning that if you're looking for a high paying job in a respected sector of employment, you might as well not consider becoming a chef. Why's that? Chefs are notoriously poorly paid, and it may take years to bring home a decent salary that a person can be proud of.
You become a chef because you are passionate about food and creating delicious meals. You don't do it for the money.
However, for those interested in knowing the salaries of professional chefs, it's important to state that starting salaries for commis chefs may range between £12,000 and £16,000. After a few years of training, more experienced Deputy Chefs can expect to be paid between £20,000 and £30,000 per year. And, those who have reached the top of the food chain, so to speak, the Executive Chefs, are paid between £25,000 to £60,000+.
All of the previously mentioned salaries have a wide range because it depends on where a person lives in the UK and what type of restaurant they have found employment at.
How to Make More Money as a Chef
Though the starting salary of chefs is nothing to write home about, and there should be considerable improvements to heighten the paychecks of entry-level jobs in the culinary industry, it's worth mentioning that after a few years, it isn't uncommon for salaries to increase for chefs.
However, did you know that some valuable tips and tricks help chefs of all skill levels and years of experience make more money? So, without further ado, the following are some practical ideas for chefs to make more cash and boost their yearly salaries:
- Launch a Cooking Channel on Youtube: nowadays, it seems that anybody with specific skills is taking their talents to YouTube to educate the world about something worthwhile. So, to make a little cash on the side, why not create a YouTube channel that teaches people how to cook? Then, if or when it gets popular, your YouTube videos can make you some serious dough.
- Sell Prepared Meals to Families: in today's busy world, it seems that families want to eat healthily, but they do not have enough time to create good meals for themselves; that's why meal kits are so popular now. So, to make a few extra bucks, professional chefs are wise to offer their services and create deliciously prepared meals for families in their local community.
- Teach Cooking Classes: whether in-person or virtually, offering cooking lessons to beginners is a fantastic way to earn extra money. You may offer cooking classes during weekends, mornings, evenings, or whenever you aren't working. You'd be surprised to find out how much people are willing to pay for cooking lessons.
While we understand that working as a chef is already an intense job that needs a lot of attention, if culinary experts apply the previously mentioned suggestions, they might make even more money than at their chef job.
In conclusion, by analysing the kitchen hierarchy and how different types of chefs rank, the average salaries of professional cooks, and ways that chefs may make more money, we are confident that you are more likely to consider becoming a chef.
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