What does a chef do? – Tasks and work environment
Chefs primarily work with planning, preparing, and cooking food within restaurants, large kitchens, hotels, or catering services. Tasks include menu creation, handling raw materials, and ensuring hygiene and quality according to regulations. A chef often works in teams and is responsible for serving food on time and to high standards. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, time pressure, and physical demands, as workdays are often long and involve a lot of standing and movement. Working hours can vary, with evening and weekend work being common.
Salary development over time
The salary development for chefs has been positive over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,000 SEK per month, rising to 30 700 SEK in 2023, which is an increase of approximately 5.9%. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise and now amounts to 31 400 SEK, representing an additional growth of just over 2.3% from the previous year. This salary increase reflects a continued high demand for skilled chefs, with industry challenges such as recruitment and labor shortages driving up wages. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as education level, experience, and geographic location of the workplace. The trend indicates that the profession continues to be highly valued, especially for those with specialized skills or experience in larger kitchens.
Chef salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 31 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month (female with pre-secondary education, various sectors)
- Highest salary: 44,700 SEK/month (male, public sector, post-secondary education)
- Hourly wage (average): 189 SEK/hour
- Women earn: 30 900 SEK/month
- Men earn: 31 900 SEK/month
- Women earn on average: 97% of men's salary
The chef profession offers opportunities for creativity and innovation, where new food trends and flavors often take center stage. Those interested in developing their own recipes or working with locally produced ingredients have a great chance to make their mark on the kitchen's offerings.
Education and qualifications
To work as a chef, a high school education in restaurant and food is usually required, but adult education or vocational colleges are also options. Practical experience and an interest in cooking are valuable assets, as well as the ability to collaborate and work under time pressure. Many employers also value certifications in food hygiene and allergen management.
- High school education: Restaurant and Food Program, 3 years
- Adult education/Vocational: Chef training, 1–2 years
- Certifications: Food hygiene, allergens
- Internship: Often a mandatory part of the education
- Experience: Work experience in kitchens is advantageous
Common benefits and compensations
Many chefs are entitled to evening and weekend supplements, as well as staff meals during shifts. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes training or inspiration days to develop professional skills. Some workplaces also offer bonuses or extra vacation for long and loyal service.
Competition and challenges
The group of chefs and cold kitchen staff is characterized by a paradoxical recruitment situation where there is both a labor shortage and a relatively high unemployment rate. Many employers struggle to find experienced chefs, especially in larger kitchens or specialized restaurants, while recent graduates face tough competition for the most attractive positions. The work is physically demanding and often involves irregular hours, which can make it challenging to balance with family life or hobbies. The industry also experiences some staff turnover, with many leaving the profession after a few years. However, those who enjoy and develop within the profession have good opportunities for advancement or specialization.
Tips for aspiring chefs
To succeed as a chef, it's beneficial to be curious, persistent, and resilient. A genuine interest in food and a desire to learn new techniques make it easier to develop within the profession, while precision is crucial for maintaining high quality and hygiene standards. Practicing working structurally under time pressure helps manage hectic periods, and a positive attitude contributes to a good atmosphere in the kitchen. Social skills and teamwork are important qualities, as kitchen work is often team-based. Those who show engagement and take responsibility often gain greater freedom and opportunities to handle more advanced tasks. Being flexible and adaptable also facilitates changes in the work environment or menu.
Key facts about Chef
- Education level: High school or adult education
- Typical work environment: Restaurant, large kitchen, hotel, or catering
- Work form: Shift work with evenings and weekends
- Demand: Great job opportunities according to the Employment Service
- Special skills: Food hygiene and allergens
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, there are opportunities to advance to head chef, sous chef, or managing larger kitchens and staff. Some chefs choose to further their education in areas such as dietary food, special diets, or leadership to broaden their career options. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that job opportunities for chefs and cold kitchen staff are expected to be strong in both the short and long term. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, although recruitment challenges include a shortage of experienced personnel and high staff turnover. There are also good opportunities to work abroad or start your own restaurant business. Currently, there are 123 job openings in the chef and cold kitchen group.
Common questions about Chefs
- What is the average salary of a chef?
- A chef has an average salary of 31 400 SEK per month.
- How much does an hourly-paid chef earn?
- The hourly wage for a chef is on average 189 SEK.
- Are there salary differences between genders?
- Yes, women earn 30 900 SEK while men earn 31 900 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salary.
- What education is required to become a chef?
- The most common education is a high school program in restaurant and food, but adult education is also possible.
- What are the future prospects for 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 chef?
- The highest salary is 44,700 SEK and the lowest is 27,100 SEK per month.
