How to become a Cook
Official title: Cooks
Also called: Camp cook, Line cook, Mess cook, First cook, Grill cook, Pizza cook, Third cook, Pastry cook, Second cook, Ship's cook, Banquet cook, Broiler cook
Cooks prepare and cook a wide variety of foods. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, educational institutions and other establishments. Cooks are also employed aboard ships and at construction and logging campsites. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes and foods
- Prepare and cook special meals for patients as instructed by dietitian or chef
- Schedule and supervise kitchen helpers
- Oversee kitchen operations
- Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and equipment
- May set up and oversee buffets
- May clean kitchen and work area
- May plan menus, determine size of food portions, estimate food requirements and costs, and monitor and order supplies
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program for cooks or completion of college or other program in cooking or food safety or several years of commercial cooking experience may be required. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified cooks upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program for cooks or completion of college or other program in cooking or food safety or several years of commercial cooking experience may be required. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $35,100 a year The middle half earn $31,200 to $40,950.
- About 171,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 180,200 are projected by 2033. (+5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Cook?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program for cooks or completion of college or other program in cooking or food safety or several years of commercial cooking experience may be required. Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified cooks upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a Cook earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $35,100 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $31,200 to $40,950.
Is a Cook a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2033, from about 171,700 to about 180,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Cook?
Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
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