Chef / Culinary Arts
You create food, from restaurants to your own business.
You cook professionally, in restaurants, catering or your own venue. A creative trade for food lovers, with a path to your own business and recognition.
Is it for you?
This field usually suits people of the realistic and artistic type (RIASEC model). A passion for cooking, creativity, physical stamina.
Salary (indicative, gross/month)
| Stage | Pay |
|---|---|
| Starting out | PLN 4-6k |
| With experience | PLN 6-15k (head chef / own venue) |
These are indicative figures — real pay depends on city, company, specialisation and contract type.
Example jobs after this field
Pros
- Creative work for enthusiasts
- Quick entry through a school/courses
- A path to your own restaurant/brand
- An in-demand and 'portable' profession (worldwide)
Cons
- Physical and stressful work
- Irregular, long hours (evenings, weekends)
- Low starting pay
- High risk with your own venue
Future and automation
Very low, cooking is a craft and creativity.
Alternative path
A culinary secondary school / courses plus practice; your own culinary business.
First steps
- Cook a lot and experiment at home
- Gain experience in a kitchen (even as a helper)
- Explore different cuisines and styles
- Think about a niche (pastry? catering? a food truck?)
Not sure if "Chef" is the right path for you?
Take the free 10-minute aptitude test (RIASEC model) and see how this field fits your strengths — compared with other paths.
Take the free test →Frequently asked questions
How long does Chef take?
Roughly about 1,5 years. Full-time public studies are usually free.
How much can you earn after Chef?
Indicatively PLN 4-6k starting out and PLN 6-15k (head chef / own venue) per month with experience (gross). These are indicative figures depending on city and specialisation.
Who is Chef for?
A passion for cooking, creativity, physical stamina. In the RIASEC model it best suits the realistic and artistic type.