9 Types of Chefs in Restaurants: Hierarchy & Titles Explained

A restaurant kitchen has different sections to whip up a variety of dishes and send them to customers as quickly as possible. You need dedicated chefs to manage each section, from creating sauces to cooking entrees.

There are different chef positions in a restaurant, and understanding their roles can help you provide the best dining experience to customers. From the executive chef who oversees the entire kitchen operations to line cooks who focus on individual dishes, let’s discover how each of these roles lets you deliver high-quality, delicious meals every time.

1. Executive chef

Large restaurants or restaurant chains may require an Executive Chef, sometimes referred to as the Chef de Cuisine, Chef Manager, Head Chef, or Master Chef. This type of chef typically focuses on the quality of the menu and food and not so much on the day-to-day operations in the kitchen.

As such, this position can have a significant impact on your business as your online menu is one of your most powerful marketing tools.

Executive chef main responsibilities

The executive chef leads kitchen operations and is responsible for menu planning and recipe development. Kitchen management is another key duty, which involves overseeing sous chefs, pastry chefs, and line cooks. They make sure everyone knows their tasks and works well together.

Requirements of becoming an executive chef

Becoming an executive chef requires extensive culinary education and experience. Most executive chefs start out as line cooks or sous chefs and work their way up as they gain valuable hands-on experience in busy kitchens.

Executive chefs must be able to lead a team and make quick decisions during busy hours. Creativity is also important since they need to develop new menu items that keep customers excited and coming back.

Executive chef average salary

The salary of an executive chef typically ranges from $71,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on the restaurant’s size, location, and reputation. Celebrity chefs can even earn millions, like Gordon Ramsey and Robert Irvine, but it includes endorsements and TV appearances. Aside from the big paycheck, experienced executive chefs can enjoy benefits such as bonuses and profit sharing. 

2. Sous chef

As the second in command, a restaurant’s Sous Chef is senior to all other kitchen staff except for the executive chef. This position is very hands-on in the day-to-day tasks of the kitchen, from food prep and plating to scheduling, inventory duties, hiring new staff and equipment maintenance.

It’s one of the most essential and grueling positions in the kitchen and those that fill it often have their eyes set on eventually becoming an Executive Chef.

Sous chef main responsibilities

One of their main roles is assisting the executive chef in daily kitchen operations. They help with menu planning, recipe development, and making sure that all dishes meet the restaurant’s high standards.

For example, a sous chef might create a new sauce for a signature dish or help develop a seasonal menu to attract more customers.

Sous chefs also supervise kitchen staff, including line cooks, pastry chefs, and other team members. They ensure that everyone is working efficiently and that each station is prepared for service.

Another important responsibility of a sous chef is maintaining quality control and food safety standards. They oversee the preparation and cooking processes to make sure all food is handled safely and cooked to perfection. They also do a final check on the freshness of ingredients and monitor supplies in case they need to 86 a dish.

Requirements for becoming a sous chef

You need formal culinary education and at least three years of practical experience. Most sous chefs start out as line cooks or prep cooks, which gives them an understanding of how restaurant kitchens work.

Sous chef salary

The average base salary of a sous chef ranges between $47,000 and $81,000. Factors like experience and culinary expertise can significantly influence a sous chef’s earnings. 

3. Pastry chef

The pastry chef’s job is highly specialized. They focus exclusively on creating sweet treats for restaurants. Pastry chefs need to have a balance of precision and creativity to create intricate cakes, breads, and confections.

Pastry chef main responsibilities

The pastry chef develops sweet menu items that complement the restaurant’s overall culinary theme. For example, a pastry chef might create a signature chocolate mousse or a beautifully decorated wedding cake for a special event.

They must also manage the pastry kitchen, overseeing inventory of ingredients like flour, sugar, and chocolate. They coordinate with other chefs to make sure all desserts are prepared and delivered on time.

Requirements for becoming a pastry chef

Pastry chefs learn advanced baking techniques and dessert decoration in culinary school. Often, they complete specialized programs in pastry arts that teach complex skills like sugar work and chocolate tempering. Many pastry chefs start as baking assistants or apprentices in bakeries or restaurant pastry stations.

Pastry chef salary

Pastry chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $86,000 annually, with an average salary of $68,000. Experienced pastry chefs with a track record of developing unique dessert concepts can negotiate for higher salaries.

Additionally, those who build a strong reputation through social media and popular competitions may have more chances to boost their career and increase their earnings.

4. Line cooks

A line cook manages specific sections in the kitchen, which helps maintain food quality. They also speed up service times in restaurants by specializing in particular cooking techniques or cuisines.

Line cook responsibilities

Each line cook specializes in a particular area, such as grilling, sautéing, or preparing cold dishes. They follow recipes precisely and coordinate with other kitchen staff so that each dish meets the restaurant’s standards. The role needs excellent multitasking skills and the ability to perform under high-pressure kitchen environments.

Additionally, a line cook must clean and organize their station, which includes sanitizing surfaces and storing ingredients properly.

Line cooks also collaborate with other chefs and kitchen staff to maintain smooth operations. During busy hours, a line cook might assist the sous chef in preparing additional dishes or managing inventory.

Requirements for becoming a line cook

Formal education is an important aspect of being a line cook, whether through culinary school or certifications. However, hands-on experience in a professional kitchen can also prepare aspiring chefs for this role.

The ability to work efficiently under pressure is another important requirement for a line cook. Kitchens can be fast-paced and stressful, especially during peak dining times.

Line cooks must stay calm and be able to prioritize tasks. They must also work well with other chefs, sous chefs, and kitchen staff to coordinate meal preparation and make sure all orders are completed efficiently.

Line cook salary

The salary of a line cook generally ranges between $40,000 and $67,000 per year. Smaller restaurants may pay lower wages since they have limited resources, but you’ll have better chances of getting hired.

5. Prep cook

Mise en place is a must in commercial kitchens, especially since 54% of diners find it annoying to have to wait 10 minutes for their food. This is where prep cooks come in.

Prep cook responsibilities

A prep cook assists with food preparation tasks. They help chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and maintain supplies so that the kitchen runs smoothly.

In addition to prepping ingredients, prep cooks also help keep the kitchen clean and organized. This includes cleaning and sanitizing their station and storing ingredients properly to prevent contamination.

Prep cooks often assist senior chefs and line cooks during busy hours, helping with additional tasks like plating dishes or expediting orders.

Requirements for becoming a prep cook

Becoming a prep cook requires basic culinary skills and a willingness to learn. Many aspiring chefs start their careers as prep cooks to gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. Culinary training from a culinary school is beneficial but not always required, as on-the-job training can also provide the necessary skills.

Attention to detail and time management are important qualities for a prep cook. They must make sure all ingredients are prepared accurately and efficiently to keep up with the kitchen’s pace. Meanwhile, effective time management allows prep cooks to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, especially during peak hours.

Prep cook salary

A prep cook’s salary ranges between $25,000 to $38,000 per year. Additional certifications or specialized training in food preparation techniques can increase earning potential for this entry level job.

6. Pantry chef

If your restaurant serves cold appetizers, salads, and desserts, you need a dedicated chef to handle these delicate and intricate dishes. Some might think the task can be assigned to any kitchen staff, but a pantry chef can bring the specialized skills required for delicate food preparation.

Pantry chef responsibilities

The pantry chef is a type of line cook primarily responsible for preparing cold dishes such as salads, appetizers, and charcuterie. Managing refrigerator stocks is another key responsibility. They make sure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored to maintain food quality.

Requirements for becoming a pantry chef

A pantry chef needs specialized training in cold food preparation. They must master the art of creating balanced and flavorful salads, assembling charcuterie boards, and preparing cold appetizers that complement the main courses.

Creativity is also a must since they should design and decorate dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. Strong organizational skills are crucial as well for a pantry chef. They must manage multiple tasks efficiently, from prepping ingredients to maintaining a clean and organized pantry station.

Pantry chef salary

The average annual salary of pantry chefs is around $35,000, with $47,000 on the higher end of the scale. If you have extensive experience, you can negotiate for a better rate.

7. Sauce chef

Sauces are the heart of many restaurant dishes, regardless of cuisine. A sauce chef plays an important role in transforming your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. They understand the delicate balance of flavors, temperatures, and textures needed to create perfect sauces that complement and enhance the main ingredients.

Sauce chef responsibilities

A sauce chef is another type of line cook responsible for cooking up a rich béarnaise sauce to accompany a steak or a creamy tomato sauce for pasta. They prepare stocks and reductions that form the foundation of these sauces. The sauce chef also coordinates with other kitchen staff to manage inventory and make sure there are enough supplies for the dishes.

Requirements for becoming a sauce chef

Education and experience are key requirements since sauce chefs need in-depth knowledge of flavor profiles and cooking techniques. They must understand how different ingredients interact and how heat affects flavor development.

Knowledge of French culinary techniques is particularly valuable, as many classic sauce preparations originate from French cuisine.

Sauce chef salary

Sauce chefs earn an average of $51,000 annually, with some receiving as high as $93,000. It’s not considered an entry-level job, so aspiring sauce chefs can start by gaining experience in lower-level kitchen positions if they haven’t worked in a restaurant yet.

8. Grill chef

Many people think grilling is easy enough. Just throw some meat on a grill and cook it. However, restaurants need someone who has the precision, technique, and an understanding of different cooking temperatures.

Grill chef responsibilities

A grill chef manages all grilling operations for meats, seafood, and vegetables. They’ll prepare juicy steaks, perfectly grilled salmon, or charred vegetables that add delicious flavors to dishes.

They’re also responsible for maintaining grill equipment, including regularly cleaning the grills and checking for any malfunctions. Taking care of the grill equipment extends its lifespan, and more importantly, makes sure the food is cooked safely and efficiently.

Requirements for becoming a grill chef

Expertise in grilling techniques is an important skill to have. Grill chefs must understand how to cook different types of meats to their ideal doneness. They can gain this knowledge and skill through formal education and practical experience.

Grill chef salary

The salary of a grill chef typically ranges from $23,000 to $66,500 annually. The average yearly salary is around $43,700.

9. Roast Chef

Charged with meats and, by association, dry rubs and gravy, the Roast Chef or rotisseur has expertise in beef, veal, and lamb and cooking methods such as roasting and braising. They could establish relationships with local farms and vendors and manage the execution of meat recipes that often require slow cook times over long periods.

Roast chef responsibilities

A roast chef manages the ovens and rotisseries to cook each dish to perfection. Another important responsibility of a roast chef is monitoring cooking times and temperatures. They must ensure that meats are cooked to the right level of doneness and that vegetables retain their texture and flavor.

They work closely with other chefs, such as sauce chefs, to develop sauces that pair well with roasted meats and vegetables. They might need a rich gravy to accompany a roasted turkey or a tangy chimichurri sauce for grilled vegetables.

Requirements for becoming a roast chef

Roast chefs need formal culinary education and experience to understand the nuanced techniques of roasting and braising. They must have a deep knowledge of meat cuts, cooking temperatures, and flavor profiles.

They need to be precise when controlling oven temperatures and timing. Strong knife skills are essential as well for preparing and trimming meats.

Roast chef salary

The average roast chef salary is $36,000. Roast chefs with extensive expertise can earn significantly more, especially in high-end restaurants or specialized culinary establishments. 

The right chef in each station

Each type of chef brings unique skills and expertise to your restaurant. Their expertise makes sure that every dish meets high standards of flavor, presentation, and quality.

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