What does a chef do? – Job tasks and work environment
A chef is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, large-scale kitchens, schools, and other catering environments. Job tasks vary depending on the workplace but often include menu planning, purchasing ingredients, cooking dishes, and quality control. Daily contact with colleagues and sometimes guests is common, and the work can involve both independent tasks and teamwork in the kitchen. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, varying working hours, and high demands on hygiene and safety. Physical endurance and stress management skills are important qualities in the profession.
Salary development over time
Salary development for chefs has shown a steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,000 SEK, rising to 30 700 SEK in 2023 and reaching 31 400 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 8.3% over three years, indicating a positive trend within the profession. Contributing factors include increased demand for qualified chefs, especially in metropolitan areas and within the public sector. The shortage of trained personnel and high staff turnover have also driven up salaries, as the restaurant industry recovers from the pandemic. Gender differences persist, with men earning slightly more than women in the profession. Overall, the profession has become more attractive in terms of salary development, although working conditions and hours still impact many chefs' daily lives.
Chef salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK (woman, pre-secondary education)
- Highest salary: 44,700 SEK (man, public sector, post-secondary education)
- Hourly wage: 189 SEK
- Women: 30 900 SEK
- Men: 31 900 SEK
- Women earn: 97% of what men do
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a chef usually involves the restaurant and food program at upper secondary school, but adult education and private options are also available. Practical experience is very important, and many start their careers working as kitchen assistants or cold kitchen staff before progressing to chef. For those wishing to advance, further education and specialization are also options, for example in dietetics or advanced gastronomy.
- Restaurant and Food Program: Upper secondary education, 3 years
- Adult education/komvux: 1–2 years
- Certifications: Food hygiene, HACCP courses
- Practice: Often mandatory during training
- Prerequisites: Basic education
- Further education: Specialized courses in gastronomy or leadership
The chef profession offers opportunities to work internationally, and many Swedish chefs have built careers abroad. Experience from different cuisines and food cultures is often meritorious and can open doors to exciting workplaces around the world.
Common benefits and compensations
Chefs are often offered meal benefits, overtime pay for evening and weekend work, and extra compensation during major holidays. Some employers provide wellness allowances, work clothing, and staff discounts on food. Pension schemes and insurance are usually included for permanent employees, while hourly workers may have different conditions.
Competition and challenges
The job market for chefs is characterized by paradoxical traits: while there is a shortage of trained personnel, high staff turnover and a relatively large proportion of part-time employment are reported. Recruitment difficulties are common, especially during peak seasons and in larger cities where competition for labor is fierce. Physically demanding work environments, irregular hours, and stressful shifts pose challenges for many. Despite this, the creative aspects of the profession and opportunities for development continue to attract many to the industry. Advancement often requires both experience and further education.
Tips for those who want to become a chef
To succeed as a chef, it is good to have a genuine passion for cooking and a desire to continuously develop your skills. Curiosity and creativity are essential qualities – trying out new ingredients and techniques can provide inspiration and an edge. It is also important to demonstrate resilience and stress tolerance, as the pace in the kitchen is often fast, and working days can be long. Being meticulous and having an eye for detail contributes to food quality and kitchen safety. Teamwork skills are another key, as many tasks are performed in teams. Taking initiative for internships or part-time jobs during training can provide valuable contacts and experiences for the future.
Key facts about chefs
- Salary range: 27,100–44,700 SEK/month
- Education level: Upper secondary or vocational adult education
- Typical work form: Shift work, evenings, and weekends are common
- Demand: 123 available jobs nationwide (May 2024)
- Gender salary difference: Women earn 97% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a chef can advance to head chef, sous-chef, or specialize in areas such as dietetics, pastry, or large-scale kitchens. There are also opportunities to work as a consultant, start your own restaurant, or further educate yourself as a nutritionist or restaurant manager. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities remain large, and demand for trained chefs is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. However, recruitment difficulties and high staff turnover may mean many vacancies, especially in metropolitan areas and during peak seasons.
Common questions about chefs
- What is the average salary of a chef?
- A chef has an average salary of 31 400 SEK/month.
- What education is required to become a chef?
- Most commonly, the restaurant and food program at upper secondary school or adult education (komvux).
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do in the profession.
- What are the future prospects for chefs?
- Demand remains high and the number of available jobs is large according to the Employment Service.
- What is the highest and lowest salary for a chef?
- The highest salary is 44,700 SEK, the lowest is 27,100 SEK.
- What are the most common work environments for chefs?
- Restaurants, schools, large kitchens, and hotels are common workplaces.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Yes, salaries are often higher in metropolitan areas compared to smaller towns.
