Occupation AtlasCooks, Private Household
O*NET · 35-2013.00
Cooks, Private Household
Prepare meals in private homes. Includes personal chefs.
Also called Certified Personal Chef (CPC) · Cook · Cooking Chef · CPC · Culinary Artist · Culinary Chef · Culinary Specialist · Culinary Worker
9 more
Dinner Cook · Holiday Food Prepper · Household Cook · PCC · Personal Certified Chef (PCC) · Personal Chef · Personal Private Chef · Private Chef · Private Executive Chef
Compare with another occupationCompare with Butchers and Meat Cutters
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RSARealistic · Social · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic4.98
- S Social3.78
- A Artistic3.77
- C Conventional3.71
- E Enterprising3.55
- I Investigative1.40
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (31%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (35%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (42%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- WritingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- NegotiationImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- InstructingImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- SciencebasicImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Peel, wash, trim, and cook vegetables and meats, and bake breads and pastries.Importance 4.8
- Cool, package, label, and freeze foods for later consumption and provide instructions for reheating.Importance 4.8
- Plan menus according to employers' needs and diet restrictions.Importance 4.7
- Shop for or order food and kitchen supplies and equipment.Importance 4.7
- Prepare meals in private homes according to employers' recipes or tastes, handling all meals for the family and possibly for other household staff.Importance 4.5
- Keep records pertaining to menus, finances, and other business-related issues.Importance 4.5
- Stock, organize, and clean kitchens and cooking utensils.Importance 4.4
- Specialize in preparing fancy dishes or food for special diets.Importance 4.1
- Direct the operation and organization of kitchens and all food-related activities, including the presentation and serving of food.Importance 4.1
- Create and explore new cuisines.Importance 3.6
- Plan and prepare food for parties, holiday meals, luncheons, special functions, and other social events.Importance 3.6
- Serve meals and snacks to employing families and their guests.Importance 3.2
Show the other 1
- Travel with employers to vacation homes to provide meal preparation at those locations.Importance 2.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Food ProductionImportance 4.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a commercial fishing boat
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- MathematicsImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- English LanguageImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
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- Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- AdministrativeImportance 2.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- ChemistryImportance 2.5Level 2.7
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.3Level 2.9
- TransportationImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- BiologyImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MechanicalImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
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- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Speech ClarityImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Number FacilityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Rate ControlImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Getting InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 2.7
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
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- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 2.8
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Processing InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.7
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.8Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write brief messages to others
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.2Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
10 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (2)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- WordPress
Other tools (8)
- APPCA Personal Chef Office
- Cooking e-books
- Cost tracking software
- Email software
- Food inventory software
- Web browser software
- Work scheduling software
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Butchers and Meat Cutters
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation +0.7, Equipment Maintenance +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.8, Operations Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −1.0, Management of Personnel Resources −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.3, Speaking +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.9, Management of Material Resources −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Bartenders
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Analysis −1.1, Instructing +0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Medical Records Specialists
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.4, Equipment Selection −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Skincare Specialists
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Material Resources −1.1, Management of Financial Resources −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.