How much does a private chef cost?
How much does a private chef cost?
$5,000 – $10,000 average cost per month
$60,000 – $120,000 average cost per year
Average cost of a private chef
A private chef costs $5,000 to $10,000 per month or $60,000 to $120,000 per year on average, depending on their experience and how many hours they work. Some private chefs charge per hour or per day for a one-time dinner party, but most work full-time and receive a regular salary.
| Rate | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per hour | $50 – $200 |
| Per day | $200 – $500 |
| Per month | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Per year | $60,000 – $120,000* |
*Plus benefits and paid time off
Per hour
Private chefs typically have a set yearly salary, but some charge $50 to $200 per hour for one-time service or a dinner party. Expect to pay $250 to $1,400 for 5 to 7 hours of work, plus the cost of the food itself as private chefs typically do not include groceries in their hourly rate.
Per day
Some chefs charge $200 to $500 per day to create meals or plan a one-time dinner. The final cost depends on the ingredients they use and the number of courses in the meal. A basic dish with simple ingredients would cost much less than a 3-course meal with a wine pairing.
If you only need a chef's services for one night, you may want to weigh your options. Traditional catering costs $30 to $100 per guest or $300 to $1,000 total for 10 guests. Food trucks cost $10 to $25 per person or $500 to $1,300 for a smaller party.
Per month
Private chefs charge about $5,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on their experience, the number of meals needed, and how big your family is. Private chefs work full-time with a set salary and a minimum of 4 to 5 hours daily.
A private chef works anywhere from 20 to 60 hours per week, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Their schedule will ultimately depend on the needs of their clients.
Per year
Private chefs make $60,000 to $120,000 on average. Their salary largely depends on their experience and the expected workload. A wealthy family may pay more for a highly experienced chef with a stellar reputation. Some families, senior living centers, and even fraternities pay for private chef services.
Private chef cost factors
The cost of hiring a private chef varies quite a bit depending on your needs and where you live. The main factors that affect the cost are:
Cost of living: While some private chefs include the cost of groceries in their salary, most don’t. The higher the cost of groceries and ingredients, the more the meals will cost. Private chefs are more expensive in large cities and affluent areas.
Servings: The more meals the chef prepares, the more you’ll spend on groceries. This doesn’t affect their pay if you’ve negotiated a salary, but the food itself will cost more.
Dietary restrictions: If you have any allergies or restrictions the chef has to plan around, they may charge more. This includes dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and low-carb diets.
Experience: If a private chef is popular, has a lot of experience, or went to a prestigious school like the Culinary Institute of America, they’ll probably have higher rates.
Groceries: Private chef rates typically do not include groceries in their rates. Groceries can cost $50 to $300, depending on the menu and whether you request any specialty ingredients.
To find a more affordable private chef, look for one who went to a less exclusive culinary school or has less formal experience.
Included services
Besides cooking and serving the meal, private chefs do all the planning, shopping, prep work, and cleanup:
Meal planning: Private chefs collaborate with you to develop a meal plan that meets your dietary needs and preferences. This is especially helpful if anyone in your home has food allergies, religious traditions, or is a picky eater.
Grocery shopping: Once the planning is over, chefs shop for ingredients, taking into account the client’s request for things like organic produce or grass-fed meat. Private chefs usually have connections with local vendors and can find fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Food prep: Private chefs do all the necessary measuring, chopping, cooking, and baking. If you’re having a dinner party or if a meal is particularly large or hard to prepare, the chef may prepare it in a professional kitchen off-site.
Food storage: Live-in chefs often cook fresh meals every day for their clients, but many private chefs also prepare meals ahead of time for clients to heat up for themselves.
Cleanup: After you’re done eating, chefs clean up the kitchen and any dirty pots, pans, and dishes.
Private chef vs. personal chef
A private chef works for one family or client and charges more than a personal chef, who prepares meals for several clients at a time and does not have a fixed salary. Hiring a personal chef costs $200 to $750 per week, depending on the family size and number of servings.
| Chef type | Average cost per hour | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private | $50 – $200 |
|
| Personal | $40 – $100 |
|
Private chef FAQs
What is a private chef?
A private chef is responsible for all aspects of meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and cleanup. They will work with you to create a menu that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Private chefs typically work for one family or individual. They may live in the home where they work, or they may come in for a set number of hours each day. The chef can also cater special events or dinners.
Do you tip a private chef?
Tipping a private chef is not required, although if you’ve been pleased with their service or they went above and beyond, you may consider it. A 10% to 20% tip after a private dinner or holiday bonus can show appreciation for excellent service.
Is a private chef worth it?
A private chef can be worth it if you can afford it and don’t have the time or ability to cook. Some groups, like fraternities, sororities, and senior homes, pool their money and hire a private chef to cook for them. Private chefs can help by:
Saving time shopping and cooking
Providing fresh, balanced meals
Helping you avoid unhealthy fast food
Helping you try new food
Making food for a holiday dinner or special dinner party
How is a private chef different from a personal chef?
Private chefs usually make meals full-time for one family or client at a time and have a set salary. They tend to charge more than personal chefs because they have more experience and cook more fresh meals instead of making a week of packaged meals in advance.
A personal chef typically prepares food for multiple clients at a time, usually on a weekly basis. They tend to charge less than private chefs and have less formal experience.
Getting estimates from private chefs
Before hiring a private or personal chef near you, follow these steps:
Obtain 3 or more quotes from reputable chefs nearby.
Look for chefs with certifications like Certified Master Chef.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Avoid suspiciously low quotes or salary expectations.
Ask for a detailed, written contract.
Meet in person to discuss expectations and to get a feel for their personality.
Questions to ask private chefs
Ask these questions to find the private chef that works best for you and your family:
Do you charge per day, month, or year?
Where did you attend culinary school?
Do you have any relevant certifications?
How many years of experience do you have?
What hours do you usually work?
Where will you prepare the food?
Do you require room and board, or will you live on your own?
Do you charge for groceries on top of this rate, or will I reimburse you after you shop?
Do you have experience with dietary restrictions?
How soon can you start?
Do you have a preferred menu, or can we create a customized meal plan?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.