Hospitality & Food

How to become a Chef

From line cook: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–6 years

Typical pay

$52k–$78k

Starting from

Line cook

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from line cook and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–5 years

   Put in the line years

   There is no route to running a kitchen that skips cooking in one.

   Course that covers thisHospitality and Culinary Arts Careers – Culinary FoundationsUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Learn food cost and ordering

   The difference between a good cook and a chef is the spreadsheet.

   Course that covers thisUltimate Microsoft Excel Bundle from Beginner to AdvancedUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   Get ServSafe Manager

   Required for the person in charge in most jurisdictions.

   ◆ ServSafe Manager

   Course that covers thisServSafe Exam Prep: Reviewer and Mock Exams | Review CentralUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   2–3 years

   Run a kitchen as sous

   Scheduling, ordering and discipline before you own the menu.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Chef

   Browse jobs now →

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