Job opportunities are expected to be good, despite slower than average employment growth, due to the large numbers of workers who leave the occupation and need to be replaced. However, keen competition is expected for jobs at upscale restaurants that generally pay more.
Employment change. Employment of chefs, head cooks and food preparation and serving supervisors is expected to increase by 6 percent over the 2008?18 decade, which is more slowly than the average for all occupations. Growth will be generated by increases in population, a growing variety of dining venues and continued demand for convenience. As more people opt for the timesaving ease of letting others do the cooking, the need for workers to oversee food preparation and serving will increase. Also, there is a growing consumer desire for healthier, made-from-scratch meals that chefs and head cooks can better prepare. Growth, however, may be tempered by slowing economic conditions as some restaurants and food preparation facilities close.
Job prospects. Job openings for chefs, head cooks and food preparation and serving supervisors are expected to be good through 2018; however, competition should be keen for jobs at the more upscale restaurants that tend to pay more. Workers with a good business sense will have better job prospects, especially at restaurant chains where attention to costs is very important. Although job growth will create many new positions, the majority of job openings will stem from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. The fast pace, long hours and high energy levels required for these jobs often lead to high turnover.