How to become a cook, private household

Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What cooks, private household do

• Peel, wash, trim, and cook vegetables and meats, and bake breads and pastries.
• Cool, package, label, and freeze foods for later consumption and provide instructions for reheating.
• Plan menus according to employers' needs and diet restrictions.
• Shop for or order food and kitchen supplies and equipment.
• Prepare meals in private homes according to employers' recipes or tastes, handling all meals for the family and possibly for other household staff.
• Keep records pertaining to menus, finances, and other business-related issues.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is cook, private household a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 6% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• New York $37,440

Cooks, Private Household salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.