Cooks, Private Household

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

SOC: 35-2013.00

Common Job Titles

Certified Personal Chef (CPC)Personal ChefPersonal Private ChefPrivate Chef

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDevelop customized menu plans accommodating dietary restrictions, preferences, and nutritional requirements in private household settings, consulting directly with clients.
  • Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of knife techniques and food preparation methods using professional culinary tools including boning knives, paring knives, and mandolines.
  • KnowledgeAssess ingredient quality and freshness when selecting and sourcing materials for meal preparation.
  • MindsetIntegrate client preferences with professional culinary standards while establishing and maintaining positive household relationships.
  • Hands-onOperate cooking equipment including convection ovens, food processors, and stand mixers following food safety protocols and maintaining temperature controls.
  • KnowledgeOrganize meal preparation schedules and ingredient inventory to ensure timely delivery of meals within household routines.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate food safety compliance and storage procedures in private kitchen environments, monitoring temperatures and freshness.
  • Hands-onCoordinate multitasking of cooking processes and timing to deliver multiple-course meals simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
  • KnowledgeApply food production knowledge and culinary techniques when preparing diverse cuisines and specialty dishes.
  • MindsetRespond to client feedback and evolving dietary needs through active listening and menu adjustments.
  • KnowledgeApply financial management principles for food cost control and budgeting when procuring ingredients and managing household culinary expenses.
  • KnowledgeModify recipes and cooking methods to accommodate special dietary requirements including allergies, health conditions, and cultural preferences.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Cooks, Private Household (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

900

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$38,240
10% of workers earn the following or more$92,480
Workers on average earn$51,290

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
  • Food Production4.1/5
  • Sales and Marketing3.7/5
  • Administration and Management3.1/5
  • Production and Processing3.0/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Intuit QuickBooksWordPress

Technology Skills

APPCA Personal Chef OfficeCooking e-booksCost tracking softwareEmail softwareFood inventory softwareWeb browser softwareWork scheduling softwareYouTube

Tools & Equipment

Bakers' knivesBasting brushesBench scrapersBoning knivesBread knivesButchers' glovesCarving forksColanders