Skip to main contentSkip to footer
LER.me
  • Live Data
My LER
LER.me
My LER
LER.me

Make All Learning Count.

Get Connected

  • What is a LER?
  • FAQs (opens in new tab)
  • Partner with Us
  • Visit EBSCOed (opens in new tab)

View our Policies

  • Accessibility (opens in new tab)
  • Standards (opens in new tab)
  • Terms of Use (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy Policy (opens in new tab)
  • Opt out (opens in new tab)

Get the app

  • Get it on Google Play
  • Download on the App Store

© 2026 All rights reserved.

Powered by EBSCOed

Skip to main contentSkip to footer
LER.me
  • Live Data
My LER
LER.me
My LER
  1. Occupations
  2. Cooks, Private Household

Cooks, Private Household

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

SOC: 35-2013.00

Common Job Titles

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

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

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $38,240. 25th percentile: U.S. $42,800. 50th percentile: U.S. $44,530. 75th percentile: U.S. $47,150. 90th percentile: U.S. $92,480. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • WordPress

Technology Skills

  • APPCA Personal Chef Office
  • Cooking e-books
  • Cost tracking software
  • Email software
  • Food inventory software
  • Web browser software
  • Work scheduling software
  • YouTube

Tools & Equipment

  • Bakers' knives
  • Basting brushes
  • Bench scrapers
  • Boning knives
  • Bread knives
  • Butchers' gloves
  • Carving forks
  • Colanders
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Chefs and Head Cooks 35-1011.00
  • Cooks, Restaurant 35-2014.00
  • Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 35-2012.00
  • Food Preparation Workers 35-2021.00
  • Cooks, Short Order 35-2015.00

Moderately Similar

  • Cooks, Fast Food 35-2011.00
  • Fast Food and Counter Workers 35-3023.00
  • Bakers 51-3011.00
  • Food Service Managers 11-9051.00
  • Baristas 35-3023.01

Related

  • Waiters and Waitresses 35-3031.00
  • Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 35-3041.00
  • Butchers and Meat Cutters 51-3021.00
  • Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers 35-9011.00
  • First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers 35-1012.00
  • Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop 35-9031.00
  • Bartenders 35-3011.00
  • Dietetic Technicians 29-2051.00
  • Dishwashers 35-9021.00
  • Food Scientists and Technologists 19-1012.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateCulinary ArtsIssuer: Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Hartsville
  • Associate's DegreeAssociate of Applied Science-Transfer - Professional CookingIssuer: Renton Technical College
  • Bachelor's DegreeB.A. in Culinary ManagementIssuer: National Louis University
  • Associate's DegreeCulinary ArtsIssuer: Brookdale Community College
  • CertificateCertificate - CLART: Basic Commercial CookingIssuer: Edmonds College
  • CertificateCateringIssuer: Jefferson Community and Technical College
  • CertificateFarm to TableIssuer: Somerset Community College
  • DiplomaFood and Beverage ManagementIssuer: Big Sandy Community and Technical College
  • Associate's DegreeCULINARY ARTSIssuer: Northeast State Community College
  • CertificateBaking and Pastry ArtsIssuer: Middlesex College