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Culinary

Chef / Head Cook

Chefs and head cooks plan menus, supervise kitchen staff, and oversee food preparation to meet quality and safety standards. Florida's massive tourism and resort industry generates strong demand, particularly in Orlando, Miami, and Tampa Bay. The role demands creativity under high-pressure conditions and rewards those who combine technical cooking skill with leadership ability.

FL Median Salary
$56,910
Entry Salary
$36,150
Experienced
$95,540
FL Growth
N/A

Requirements & Training

  • Credential: ServSafe Food Manager Certification; no chef state license

Career Path

  1. Line Cook
  2. Sous Chef
  3. Head Chef
  4. Executive Chef
  5. Food & Beverage Director/Restaurant Owner

Top Florida Employers

Walt Disney WorldUniversal OrlandoMarriott/Ritz-CarltonRoyal CaribbeanDarden Restaurants (Orlando HQ)Bloomin' Brands (Tampa HQ)

Related Programs

  • Culinary Arts Certificate/AS
  • Culinary Management BS
  • Baking & Pastry AS
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Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics Florida Occupational Employment Statistics. School data from Florida Department of Education CIE database.

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