How to become a Chef
Official title: Chefs
Also called: Head chef, Meat chef, Sous-chef, Pasta chef, Sushi chef, Master chef, Pastry chef, Second chef, Banquet chef, Assistant chef, Chef de partie, Chef pâtissier
Chefs plan and direct food preparation and cooking activities and who prepare and cook meals and specialty foods. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, clubs and similar establishments, and on ships.
Main tasks
- Chefs
- Plan and direct food preparation and cooking activities of several restaurants in an establishment, restaurant chains, hospitals or other establishments with food services
- Consult with clients regarding weddings, banquets and specialty functions
- Plan menus and ensure food meets quality standards
- Estimate food requirements and may estimate food and labour costs
- Supervise activities of sous-chefs, specialist chefs, chefs and cooks
- Arrange for equipment purchases and repairs
- Recruit and hire staff
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Cook's trade certification or equivalent credentials, training and experience are required. Executive chefs usually require management training and several years of experience in commercial food preparation, including two years in a supervisory capacity and Experience as a sous-chef, specialist chef or chef. Sous-chefs, specialist chefs and chefs usually require several years of experience in commercial food preparation. Red Seal endorsement for cooks is also available to qualified chefs upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. The certifications of Certified Working Chef (CWC) and Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC), administered by the Canadian Culinary Institute (CCI) of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCF) are available to qualified chefs.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 26% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Culinary arts and related services; Hospitality administration/management; Business administration, management and operations.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $44,850 a year The middle half earn $36,075 to $53,489.
- About 64,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 73,900 are projected by 2033. (+14.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Chef?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Cook's trade certification or equivalent credentials, training and experience are required. Executive chefs usually require management training and several years of experience in commercial food preparation, including two years in a supervisory capacity and Experience as a sous-chef, specialist chef or chef. Sous-chefs, specialist chefs and chefs usually require several years of experience in commercial food preparation. Red Seal endorsement for cooks is also available to qualified chefs upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination. The certifications of Certified Working Chef (CWC) and Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC), administered by the Canadian Culinary Institute (CCI) of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCF) are available to qualified chefs.
How much does a Chef earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $44,850 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $36,075 to $53,489.
Is a Chef a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2033, from about 64,500 to about 73,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Chef?
Usually not. Only 14% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03