Diet cook

What does a diet cook do? – Tasks and work environment

A diet cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving special diets tailored for individuals with specific nutritional needs. Tasks often include following detailed meal plans, managing allergens, weighing and measuring ingredients, and collaborating with dietitians and other healthcare staff. Diet cooks are usually employed in larger kitchens within hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or other institutions where diets need to be adapted for different groups. The job requires good knowledge of food hygiene, nutrition, and cooking techniques, as well as the ability to work efficiently under time pressure. The work environment is characterized by a high pace and close cooperation with colleagues, where precision and responsibility are central qualities.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for diet cooks has been stable but with a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 29,000 kr per month, increasing to 30 700 kr in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 31 400 kr, representing a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period. This trend reflects an increased demand for specialized skills in nutrition and health, especially in the public sector where the need for special diets has grown. Educational requirements have also gradually increased, which may have contributed to higher wages. Despite this, salary increases are moderate compared to some other professions, possibly due to budget constraints in the public sector and a relatively high proportion of part-time employment.

Diet cook salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 31 400 kr/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 kr/month (female, less than 9 years of secondary education)
• Highest salary: 44,700 kr/month (male, public sector, less than 3 years of post-secondary education)
• Highest salary (female): 34,800 kr/month
• Lowest salary (male): 29,000 kr/month
• Average hourly wage: 189 kr
• Women: 30 900 kr/month
• Men: 31 900 kr/month
• Women earn: 97% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a diet cook, a high school education in culinary and food sciences is usually required, preferably with specialization in large-scale catering or special diets. Many employers also seek further training or certification in nutrition or dietetics, especially for healthcare roles. Practical experience from large kitchen operations and handling special diets is often advantageous, and some workplaces offer internal training to ensure the right skills.

• High school education: Culinary and food sciences (3 years)
• Further training: Special diets or nutrition courses/certification (3–12 months)
• Practical experience: Experience from large-scale kitchens is highly meritorious
• Prerequisites: Passed grades in Swedish and mathematics
• Tip: Ask if the workplace offers internal training in special diets

Common benefits and compensations

Diet cooks are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, and subsidized meals at work. Other common compensations include overtime pay for working unsocial hours and opportunities for skills development through the employer.

Competition and challenges

The labor market for diet cooks is characterized by a paradoxical situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and a relatively high proportion of part-time employment or individuals leaving the profession. Despite large opportunities for work nationwide, factors such as budget constraints in the public sector and the demand for specialized skills influence the competitive situation. Employers often require experience with special diets and good collaboration skills, which can make it challenging for recent graduates to establish themselves. At the same time, the work environment involves a high pace and high demands on flexibility and accuracy, especially when handling allergens and individual dietary needs.

Tips for those who want to become a diet cook

To succeed as a diet cook, it is good to combine precision with a genuine interest in nutrition and health. Being flexible under pressure helps with quick changes during the workday, while good teamwork facilitates communication with colleagues and healthcare staff. Actively seeking internships provides valuable experience and boosts confidence in the kitchen environment. Being curious about new dietary trends and regulations in nutrition increases competence and employability. Demonstrating responsibility and engagement in tasks is appreciated by employers, especially when following instructions and ensuring food quality. Finally, it is important to have a service-oriented attitude towards both diners and colleagues to create a pleasant and safe environment.

Key facts about Diet cook

• Education level: High school education, often supplemented with special diet courses
• Work environment: Large kitchens within healthcare, social care, and education
• Work arrangements: Full-time, part-time, and hourly employment are common
• Demand: Great opportunities for nationwide employment
• Special skills: Handling allergens and preparing nutritionally adapted meals

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a diet cook can advance to kitchen manager, supervisor, or further train as a dietitian or nutritionist. Many choose to specialize in areas such as children's diets, elderly care, or food allergies. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, opportunities for employment remain large within the profession, although demand is expected to be unchanged over the next five years. The recruitment situation is described as a combination of difficulties in finding the right skills and a high proportion of part-time workers or people leaving the profession. There are a total of 123 job openings in the field, indicating a stable labor market for those with the right qualifications.

Frequently asked questions about Diet cook

• What does a diet cook earn?
  - A diet cook has an average salary of 31 400 kr per month.
• How much do women earn compared to men?
  - Women earn on average 30 900 kr per month, which is 97% of men's salaries.
• What qualifications are needed to become a diet cook?
  - High school education in culinary and food sciences, preferably with further training in special diets or nutrition.
• Where do diet cooks work?
  - Mainly in large kitchens at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
• What are the future prospects for diet cooks?
  - Job opportunities are plentiful, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Salary levels can vary depending on region and sector, but the differences are generally small.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for diet cooks?
  - The highest salary is 44,700 kr per month and the lowest 27,100 kr per month.