Working in food service often starts with basic prep tasks, washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients. While these jobs are essential, many in the industry aim to take the next step toward becoming a chef. That transition isn’t just about cooking; it’s about mastering new techniques, managing a team, and understanding the business side of the kitchen.
In this guide, we’ll look at how to Level Up from Food Prep to Chef in 2025. You’ll learn the key skills to develop, training options worth considering, and how salaries change as you move up. Whether you’re starting out or ready to take on more responsibility, this is your roadmap to turning kitchen experience into a leadership role.
Why Upskill? The Culinary Career Advantage
Moving from food prep to a chef role can transform your earnings, responsibilities, and career satisfaction. A food prep assistant typically starts at around $25K–$30K per year, but with the right skills and training, you can quickly climb the culinary ladder.
- Line Cook ($35K–$45K): Specializes in a specific station, gaining hands-on experience that forms the backbone of any chef’s training.
- Sous Chef ($50K–$65K): The second-in-command who supervises staff, keeps operations running smoothly, and ensures quality in every dish.
- Kitchen Manager ($55K–$75K+): Oversees budgets, inventory, staffing, and the overall performance of the kitchen.
Upskilling in areas like food safety, menu planning, cost control, and team management not only boosts your market value but also gives you the confidence to take the lead. In 2025, these capabilities are what will help you Level Up from Food Prep to Chef and secure roles with higher pay and greater creative freedom.
Career Pathways in the Culinary Industry
As food trends evolve and dining options expand, skilled chefs are finding more career choices than ever before:
- Restaurants: A dynamic environment to sharpen technical skills and push culinary creativity.
- Hotels & Resorts: Exposure to multiple cuisines and cooking formats, along with perks like guest interaction and competitive benefits.
- Catering Services: Ideal for those who enjoy event-focused cooking and constantly changing menus.
- Corporate Kitchens: Offers steady pay, structured routines, and a healthier work-life balance.
- Food Trucks and Cloud Kitchens: Perfect for entrepreneurial chefs looking to build their brand and operate independently.
Whether you want the stability of a corporate role or the freedom of running your own kitchen, the opportunities are there—you just need the skills and vision to seize them.
Target Roles for Food Prep Workers
If you’re ready to level up from food prep to chef, these roles can help you move from behind the cutting board into positions with more skill, responsibility, and pay.
Line Cook
Specialize in a specific station—whether it’s the grill, sauté, or pastry—and become the go-to expert for that part of the kitchen. This role sharpens your technique, builds speed, and prepares you for higher-level responsibilities.
Sous Chef
Serve as the right hand to the head chef, leading the team, ensuring dishes meet consistent quality standards, and stepping in wherever needed. This is often the first significant leap into leadership within the kitchen.
Food Service Supervisor
Oversee kitchen operations, from managing staff and inventory to enforcing food safety and hygiene standards. Here, you’re not just cooking—you’re ensuring the entire kitchen runs like clockwork.
Culinary Specialist
Focus on a niche, whether it’s vegan cuisine, banquet-style dining, or allergen-friendly menus. This role allows you to innovate, experiment, and stand out in a growing culinary niche.
Skills to Master
To level up from food prep to chef, you’ll need more than basic cooking ability. Advancing in the culinary world requires a mix of technical expertise, people skills, and familiarity with the tools that keep a modern kitchen running.
Technical Skills
Develop precise knife techniques, plating skills that enhance presentation, and a strong grasp of food safety standards such as ServSafe certification. Learn menu planning to create balanced dishes, manage portion sizes, and reduce waste—skills that directly impact both quality and profitability.
Soft Skills
Time management ensures dishes reach guests hot and on schedule, even during the busiest hours. Leadership and teamwork build trust among staff and prepare you for supervisory and management positions.
Tools and Technology
Comfort with POS (Point of Sale) systems and inventory management software like ChefTec can streamline operations and prevent costly errors. Understanding modern kitchen equipment—from combi ovens to vacuum sealers—positions you as a chef who can blend tradition with innovation.
Step-by-Step Roadmap
If you’re serious about making the move to Level Up from Food Prep to Chef, this practical roadmap will help you sharpen your skills, stand out in the kitchen, and position yourself for promotion.
1. Learn Advanced Prep
Go beyond basic chopping—volunteer to work key cooking stations like grill, sauté, or pantry. This initiative builds speed, precision, and versatility, making you ready for line cook responsibilities.
2. Certify Yourself
Earn credentials such as ServSafe Food Handler or Allergen Certification. These industry-recognized qualifications boost your resume and show employers you’re committed to safety, quality, and professionalism.
3. Shadow Senior Staff
Assist sous chefs or kitchen managers during prep or service. Observing their leadership, organization, and multitasking in real time can give you insights that no classroom can offer.
4. Apply for Promotions
Target stepping-stone roles like junior cook, shift lead, or line cook. When applying, highlight your upgraded skills, certifications, and hands-on learning.
5. Network in the Culinary World
Join groups such as the American Culinary Federation (ACF) or attend local food events. Building industry connections can lead to mentorship, job openings, and valuable insider advice.
5. Salary Benchmarks (2025)
As you level up from food prep to chef, your responsibilities—and earning potential—grow with each step. Here’s what you can expect in 2025:
- Food Prep Worker ($25K–$30K): This entry-level position focuses on ingredient preparation and general kitchen support. It’s where you build the foundational skills that will carry you through your culinary career.
- Line Cook ($35K–$45K): Working hands-on at a designated station, you’ll hone your speed, precision, and ability to keep pace with kitchen flow during busy service hours.
- Sous Chef ($50K–$65K): As the second-in-command, you’ll manage daily operations, oversee staff, and ensure every dish meets quality standards.
- Kitchen Manager ($55K–$75K+): Leading the kitchen means handling budgets, managing inventory, creating schedules, and guiding your team to deliver consistently excellent results.
Salary ranges can vary depending on location, experience, and the type of establishment, but each promotion represents both a pay bump and a significant step toward creative and professional fulfillment in the culinary world.
Financial Tools for Upskilling
Investing in your culinary career doesn’t have to drain your finances. With the right tools, you can Level Up from Food Prep to Chef without putting your progress on hold.
Beem’s Everdraft
Need quick funds for a ServSafe certification or culinary course? Beem’s Everdraft offers instant cash advances so you can cover training fees right away and repay them with your next paycheck. It’s flexible, fast, and perfect for food prep workers who don’t want short-term cash gaps to delay their growth.
Budget Planner
A detailed budget planner helps you track your income, control expenses, and set aside money for essentials like chef’s knives, uniforms, or online classes. By committing to small monthly savings goals, you can prepare financially for upskilling opportunities without relying on high-interest debt.
With these tools in place, your path to a chef’s role becomes a well-planned investment instead of a financial hurdle.
Resume and Interview Tips
If you want to level up from food prep to chef, your resume and interview need to show you’re ready for the challenge. Here’s how to stand out.
Resume
Highlight results-driven achievements that prove your efficiency and leadership potential. Use action-oriented phrases such as:
- “Reduced food waste by 15% through improved portioning.”
- “Trained and onboarded three new prep cooks in kitchen operations.”
- “Maintained 100% compliance with food safety regulations.”
Tailor each resume to the role you’re applying for so hiring managers immediately see you’re prepared for the next step up.
Interview Prep
Be ready to discuss your technical skills—knife precision, plating techniques, and certifications like ServSafe. Share stories demonstrating teamwork under pressure, time management, and how you handled high-volume service without compromising quality.
Confidence and clarity during the interview can make the difference between staying in your current role and moving into a leadership position.
Top Employers Hiring
If you’re ready to level up from food prep to chef, knowing where to apply can make all the difference. These employers offer strong career growth, valuable experience, and competitive pay.
Restaurants (Fine Dining and Chains like Chipotle)
From high-end fine dining to popular fast-casual chains, restaurants are constantly looking for skilled cooks and future kitchen leaders. You’ll gain hands-on experience in high-volume service, guest interaction, and team collaboration—skills that can fast-track your move into leadership roles.
Hotels and Resorts (Marriott, Hilton)
Hospitality giants like Marriott and Hilton offer a variety of culinary positions, from prep cook to banquet chef. Working here exposes you to different kitchen formats, from à la carte service to large-scale catering, while giving your resume the prestige of a global brand.
Corporate Campuses (Google, Amazon Cafeterias)
Some of the world’s top companies, such as Google and Amazon, operate in-house food services with state-of-the-art kitchens and competitive salaries. These roles often provide better work-life balance, steady schedules, and access to the latest culinary equipment.
FAQs
Do I need culinary school?
Not necessarily. Many chefs level up from food prep to chef through hands-on experience, mentorship, and certifications like ServSafe, which can be just as valuable as formal schooling.
Best certification for beginners?
The ServSafe Food Handler certification is an excellent starting point. It demonstrates your commitment to food safety and hygiene—skills every kitchen values.
How can I stand out?
Specialize in trending cuisines such as plant-based, gluten-free, or ethnic fusion. Staying aligned with current food trends helps you remain relevant and in demand.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to advance your culinary career—the right time is now. Enroll in a ServSafe Food Handler course to strengthen your food safety knowledge, and step up for new kitchen responsibilities to gain valuable hands-on experience.
If covering costs is holding you back, Beem’s Everdraft makes it easy. You can withdraw $10 to $1000 of your verified bank deposits early—with no credit checks, no interest, no income restrictions, no due dates, and no tips. It’s the fast, flexible way to pay for certifications, invest in quality culinary tools, or cover training expenses without putting your career growth on hold.
Your next role is within reach—take charge, level up from food prep to chef, and start cooking your way to success in 2025. Download the app here for more details.
