Cooks, Private Household: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Cooks, Private Household fall under the Food Preparation and Serving category in the U.S. occupational classification. Cooks, Private Household earn a median salary of $44,530 per year, ranking in the top 78% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +5.1% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do cooks, private household earn?

The median annual wage for cooks, private household is $44,530. That puts cooks, private household at #632 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is cooks, private household a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for cooks, private household is +5.1%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 34K positions in 2024 to 36K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do cooks, private household do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working cooks, private household, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Peel, wash, trim, and cook vegetables and meats, and bake breads and pastries.
2. 2.Direct the operation and organization of kitchens and all food-related activities, including the presentation and serving of food.
3. 3.Create and explore new cuisines.
4. 4.Serve meals and snacks to employing families and their guests.
5. 5.Shop for or order food and kitchen supplies and equipment.
6. 6.Stock, organize, and clean kitchens and cooking utensils.
7. 7.Specialize in preparing fancy dishes or food for special diets.
8. 8.Plan menus according to employers' needs and diet restrictions.

Top skills for cooks, private household

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become cooks, private household?

Many cooks, private household enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Chefs and Head Cooks
  $60,990 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
  $42,010 median
• Cooks, Restaurant
  $36,830 median
• Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
  $36,450 median
• Cooks, All Other
  $36,210 median
• Cooks, Short Order
  $35,620 median

Common questions parents ask about cooks, private household