Culinary Career Outlook

For many aspiring chefs, this is the right time to think about starting a culinary career. The restaurant industry is booming. As one of the largest private-sector employers, the restaurant industry employs 12.7 million people, in both front-of-the-house and kitchen positions, according to the National Restaurant Association (NRA). And both the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the NRA predict that this number will continue to grow over the next decade.

However, individuals aiming for executive chef positions or those who want to work in top restaurants should expect to face tough competition. The latest published data from the BLS indicates that there were 941,600 chefs, head cooks, and food preparation amd serving supervisors in 2008.

The table below shows the distribution of these culinary careers:

• The number of jobs for chefs, head cooks, and food preparation and serving supervisors is projected to increase 6 percent by 2018.
   
• About nine percent of employees in the U.S. work in the restaurant industry.
   
• In 2010, restaurant sales will average about $1.6 billion per day.
   
• Restaurant sales will equal four percent of the gross domestic product in the U.S. in 2010.
   
• About 73 percent of adult restaurant-goers are looking for healthier options than they were two years ago.
   
• Almost half of American adults have worked in the restaurant industry at one time.

Getting that plum chef job is a competitive undertaking, in spite of the growth in the restaurant and food service industry. If you want a culinary career as a head chef at a top restaurant, you'll need to be willing to put in your time in entry-level positions. A culinary degree can also make you a more competitive job candidate as you start your culinary career.

In addition to all your qualifications, it will take determination and hard work to put you on track to reach your culinary career goals. Your positive attitude and commitment to your career may be the biggest asset you have when applying for the jobs you want.

• Choosing a Culinary Arts Program
• Getting Work Experience in Culinary Jobs and Externships