How much does a Chef make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Chef
Image that illustrates Chef

Chef

37 400 kr

Head chefs and sous chefs

36 800 - 40 000 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Hotell, restaurang

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Chef

Average salary 37 400 kr
Males 37 700 kr
Females 36 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 77 Vacant jobs ->

What does a head chef do? – Tasks and work environment

A head chef is responsible for the overall work in the restaurant's kitchen and leads both the culinary work and staff. The role involves menu planning, developing new dishes, ensuring quality, and managing ingredient procurement. The work environment is often intense and requires quick problem-solving, especially during peak service times. The head chef functions as both leader and creator, working closely with the kitchen team to ensure that food and service meet the highest standards.

Salary development over time

The salary development for head chefs has varied over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 35,800 SEK per month, which increased to 38 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted downward slightly to 37 400 SEK. This development corresponds to a total increase of about 4.5% over the period, although the most recent year saw a slight decline due to market adjustments and changes in the restaurant industry. Factors influencing salary development include increased competition for experienced chefs, as well as changes in consumer behavior and economic conditions in the hospitality sector. Despite some fluctuations, the profession of head chef remains relatively stable in terms of salary compared to many other roles in the restaurant industry.

Head chef salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 37 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,800 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 40,000 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 225 SEK
  • Women earn: 36,800 SEK (98% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 37,700 SEK
  • Regional differences: Specific regional variations are lacking, but salary levels generally follow urban versus rural areas

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a head chef usually combines formal education and extensive work experience. A basic culinary education, preferably supplemented with leadership training, is common. Practical experience in various kitchen roles is crucial for developing both technical skills and leadership competence.

  • Culinary education: High school culinary and food program (3 years)
  • Further training: Courses in kitchen economics, leadership, and special diets
  • Certifications: Food hygiene and HACCP
  • Internships: Longer internship periods or trainee positions in restaurant kitchens
  • Prerequisites: Experience as a chef or sous-chef is often required

Head chefs are often expected to handle both creative and administrative tasks simultaneously. The role may also include budget responsibility, recruitment of kitchen staff, and collaboration with suppliers, making the profession very versatile and demanding.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Head chefs are often offered benefits such as staff meals, overtime allowances for evening and weekend work, and opportunities for further training through the employer. Some employers also provide bonus programs, wellness allowances, and pension contributions as part of the compensation package.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a head chef is generally high, especially at popular restaurants and in larger cities where demand for experienced leaders is strong. At the same time, there are reports of difficulties in recruiting qualified head chefs, partly because many leave the profession after a few years. Challenges often involve balancing creative work with administrative responsibilities and personnel management. Long working hours, a fast pace, and the constant need to deliver at a high level place great demands on endurance and problem-solving skills.

Tips for those aspiring to become a head chef

To succeed as a head chef, it is beneficial to combine a passion for cooking with good organizational skills and strong leadership. Gaining experience from different kitchen environments early on provides a broad foundation and increases understanding of the entire workflow. Curiosity and a desire to constantly develop are important traits, especially when it comes to following new trends and techniques in cooking. Working systematically, communicating clearly with the team, and being stress-resistant help create a well-functioning kitchen where everyone thrives. Engagement in work environment issues and an eye for detail are also crucial for success in a leadership role. Finally, humility and a collaborative attitude are valuable for building a strong and motivated kitchen team.

Key facts about head chefs

  • Educational level: High school culinary education, often supplemented with leadership courses
  • Work environment: Fast-paced, often stressful restaurant kitchens with responsibility for staff and quality
  • Working hours: Varying, often evenings and weekends
  • Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
  • Special skills: Leadership, menu development, and food safety

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a head chef, career development can lead to roles such as kitchen manager at larger restaurants, operations manager within restaurant groups, or self-employed entrepreneurs with their own concepts. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities are expected to be plentiful, and demand is projected to remain unchanged over the next five years. There is a paradoxical recruitment situation where many leave the profession, creating a continuous need for new head chefs. With additional experience, there are also opportunities to work as a consultant, trainer, or product developer within the food industry. Currently, there are 123 job openings for chefs and sous-chefs.

Frequently asked questions about head chefs

  • What does a head chef earn?
    - A head chef has an average salary of 37 400 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a head chef?
    - High school culinary education plus several years of experience in the kitchen, preferably supplemented with leadership courses.
  • Are there differences in salary between men and women as a head chef?
    - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
  • What is the job market like for head chefs?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a head chef?
    - The highest salary is 40,000 SEK, and the lowest is 36,800 SEK, depending on experience, education, and employer.
  • What personal qualities are important for a head chef?
    - Leadership skills, stress tolerance, creativity, and teamwork are central qualities.
  • What are the working hours for a head chef?
    - Working hours vary, but evening and weekend work are common.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-09 03:25:39

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Chef is 40000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 36800 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Chef is 36800 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 37700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 35200 kr 36000 kr
35-44 38700 kr 39900 kr
45-54 35600 kr 36400 kr
Snitt 98% 36500 kr 37400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Chef has the SSYK code 3451, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
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Net salary
31 377
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11 738
Fees
12 129

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