Culinary Career Outlook

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Culinary Career: Industry Statistics

For many aspiring chefs, this is the right time to think about starting a culinary career. The restaurant industry is booming. As the second largest employer, behind only the government, the restaurant industry employs 13.1 million people, in both front-of-the-house and kitchen positions, according to the National Restaurant Association (NRA). And both the US 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 3.1 million chefs, cooks and food preparation workers in 2006. Of that number, only 115,000 held executive chef positions.

The table below shows the distribution of these 3.1 million kitchen jobs.

Culinary Career Forecasts and Facts

• The number of jobs for chefs, cooks and food preparation workers is projected to increase 11 percent between 2006 and 2016.
• More than nine percent of employees in the US work in the restaurant industry.
• In 2008, restaurant sales will increase 4.4 percent over 2007 and will average about $1.5 billion per day.
• Restaurant sales will equal four percent of the gross domestic product in the US in 2008.
• Over 70% of eating and drinking establishments are independently owned.
• Almost half of American adults have worked in the restaurant industry at one time.

Getting the Culinary Career You Want

Getting that plum chef job is a competitive undertaking, in spite of the growth in the restaurant and food service industry. If you want to become a head chef at a top restaurant, you'll need to be willing to put in your time in entry-level positions. A culinary arts 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.

Related Articles

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

Sources:
National Restaurant Association
US Bureau of Labor Statistics

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