How much does a private cook make?

In the United States, pay can depend on experience, location, the employer’s needs, and skills such as making meals for special diets. Hours, event work, the number of clients, and useful food-safety certificates can matter too.

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

What's a typical day like?

They plan meals around the family’s tastes and diet needs, shop for groceries, then cook in the home kitchen. After serving, they clean up and wash dishes; some also prepare food for parties.

U.S. cooks often learn on the job, starting as kitchen helpers; culinary school or an apprenticeship is optional. Apprentices usually need to be 17 or older and have a high-school diploma or equivalent, and some places require a food-handler certificate.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and helping and teaching.

Some private household cooks travel with their employers to vacation homes and cook there, too.