Working as a Chef or Cook

Chefs and cooks work mainly in the food service industry. Industry sources report that the food services industry is experiencing staff shortages. It is anticipated that the province of BC will require many new workers in this sector over the next decade.

Chefs need to stay up to date on new culinary trends and have an idea of what customers are looking for. They need to plan menus months in advance and have a good idea of what will be popular and available. They must understand the cost of specialty items and stay within their budget.

Cooks who keep up with new food trends and consumer demand often have more employment opportunities. Food trucks have recently become popular and some cooks prefer to run a food truck than work in a more traditional restaurant.

Employment may be seasonal, as many jobs are dependent on the tourism industry.

Chefs

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Chart from WorkBC

Cooks

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Chart from WorkBC

WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2021-2031:

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You can learn more about working as a chef or cook in BC from:

Chefs and cooks are employed by restaurants, cafeterias, hotels and resorts, food trucks, hospitals, cruise ships, educational institutions, catering companies and a wide range of other establishments.
Source: Career Cruising

In BC the median annual salary for chefs is $38,333. The median annual salary for cooks is $33,370.

Chefs: The pay for chefs varies a great deal and depends mostly on experience, reputation, and whether you work part-time or full-time. Entry-level chefs may earn little more than minimum wage, while experienced chefs who work full-time can make up to $60,000 a year. Experienced chefs, and those who own their own restaurants, can earn more.

Cooks: The income for cooks varies widely. Factors affecting earnings include training and experience, employer, geographic location, and whether or not you are unionized. As a union member, you have your wages and benefits negotiated on your behalf by union representatives.  Cooks who work in large institutional settings such as hospitals, schools, and colleges are usually unionized.

Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising

In BC regions you can expect to make:

Chef

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Source: Job Bank Wage Report

Cook

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Source: Job Bank Wage Report

Working hours vary depending on the type of establishment. Your work hours may include early mornings, late evenings, holidays and weekends. Work varies between part-time and full-time hours. Chefs and Cooks who work in hospitals, schools, and other such institutions are more likely to have regular working hours.  Resorts usually offer seasonal employment only.

Chefs: work full-time, part-time, on contract or on call. The hours may include early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays. The work may also be seasonal, especially at resorts.

Cooks: work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The number of hours worked each week varies widely among cooks. Part-time may be as little as 5 or 6 hours a week, while busy full-time cooks may work up to (and sometimes more than) 50 hours a week.

Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising