Tourism & Hospitality
Chef
You create food people remember, in restaurants, hotels or your own kitchen.
- Starting salary
- R6 000 – R14 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Consumer Studies, Mathematics or Maths Literacy
What do they do?
You create food people remember, in restaurants, hotels or your own kitchen.
A day in the life
You prep ingredients, run a hot service, manage stock and train junior kitchen staff.
Skills you need
- Creativity
- Speed
- Hygiene
- Teamwork
- Stamina
School subjects that help
- Consumer Studies
- Mathematics or Maths Literacy
- Business Studies
- Tourism
How long does it take?
4 main steps after school, usually 2–4 years of training after school.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2Culinary school or apprenticeship
- 3Commis chef
- 4Chef de partie
- 5Head chef / owner
Ways in: TVET College · Private culinary school · Apprenticeship · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- TVET Colleges nationwide
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Private culinary academies
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R6 000 – R14 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R16 000 – R35 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R40 000 – R90 000+ (owners vary)
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Cook for your family weekly
- • Learn knife skills and hygiene
- • Work a holiday job in a kitchen
Try this career
Design and cook a three-course menu with a R150 budget.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.