Cooks, Private Household
Private household cooks prepare meals in residential settings for individual families, estates, or wealthy clients. This role may include personal chefs who work with specific clients over extended periods. Work takes place primarily in private kitchens, with duties ranging from daily meal planning and preparation to special event catering within the home.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cooks, private household and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves planning menus based on client preferences and dietary needs, shopping for ingredients, and preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tasks include managing kitchen inventory, maintaining food safety standards, and cleaning cooking equipment. Some days focus on special meal preparation for entertaining or specific dietary requirements. Work hours often include early mornings and may extend into evenings, particularly when clients host events.
Who this work suits
Holland code RAS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're suited to this work if you enjoy hands-on creation and problem-solving in a kitchen environment while being detail-oriented about food quality and presentation. Success comes from combining practical cooking skills with an appreciation for personalizing meals to clients' tastes and needs.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $37,120 | $37,440 | $41,860 | 140 |
All 1 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Fundamentals Pastry Cook (CFPC) — American Culinary Federation, Inc.
- Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) — American Culinary Federation, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against cooks, private household and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 35-2013.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.