Since
2013
Are you curious about what is the highest paid type of chef? If you’re exploring a culinary career after 12th or seeking to advance in the industry, understanding the earning potential of different chef roles can guide your path. The culinary world offers lucrative opportunities, especially for those with the right training and experience. The Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (IIHCA), with its City & Guilds, London-accredited programs and a network of over 8,000 alumni (including 5,000+ in 5-star hotels and 3,000+ in cruise lines), provides insights into the highest-paying chef positions. Let’s explore the top-earning roles and how IIHCA can help you get there.
Why Chef Salaries Vary?
Chef salaries depend on factors like experience, location, specialization, and the type of establishment. High-end restaurants, luxury hotels, cruise lines, and international markets like UAE, France, and New Zealand often pay more due to demand for expertise and prestige. IIHCA’s training and global placements equip you to target these lucrative opportunities.
What is the Highest Paid Type of Chef?
Based on industry trends and IIHCA alumni success in 2025, the Executive Chef is widely regarded as the highest paid type of chef. This role involves overseeing kitchen operations, managing staff, creating menus, and ensuring quality in top-tier establishments. Here’s why and how much they earn:
Executive Chef: The Top Earner
Average Salary: In India, executive chefs earn 20-30 lakh per annum, with potential to exceed 40-50 lakh per annum in international markets like UAE, France, or Spain.
Why It Pays So Well: Executive chefs hold the highest culinary position in a kitchen, requiring years of experience (typically 10-15 years), advanced skills, and leadership ability. They work in 5-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, or luxury cruise lines, where precision and innovation are paramount.
Global Opportunities: IIHCA alumni have secured executive chef roles in Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, Paris’s fine-dining scene, and New Zealand’s high-end resorts, earning $80,000-$120,000 annually (approx. 67-100 lakh INR) plus bonuses.
Demand: The global luxury hospitality sector, including cruise lines and international hotels, drives demand for executive chefs, especially those with diverse culinary expertise.
Other High-Paying Chef Roles
While the executive chef tops the list, other roles also offer impressive earnings, especially with IIHCA’s training:
Cruise Line Chef: Earn $35,000-$55,000 per annum (approx. 30-45 lakh INR) plus travel and accommodation benefits. IIHCA’s 3,000+ alumni in cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line highlight this role’s potential.
Corporate Executive Chef: Oversee multiple kitchen operations for hotel chains or corporations, earning 25-40 lakh per annum in India or $70,000-$100,000 (approx. 58-83 lakh INR) abroad.
Private Chef: Cater to high-profile clients (e.g., celebrities, CEOs), earning 15-30 lakh per annum in India or $60,000-$90,000 (approx. 50-75 lakh INR) internationally.
Culinary Consultant: Advise restaurants or brands on menus and operations, earning 12-20 lakh per annum in India or $50,000-$80,000 (approx. 42-67 lakh INR) globally.
Factors That Boost Chef Salaries
To become the highest paid type of chef, consider these factors:
Experience: 10+ years, including roles like sous chef or pastry chef, increases earning potential.
Specialization: Expertise in niche areas like molecular gastronomy or pastry arts can command higher pay.
Location: International markets like UAE, France, Spain, and New Zealand offer higher salaries than smaller Indian cities.
Certifications: A City & Guilds-accredited diploma from IIHCA enhances your credentials and employability.
How IIHCA Helps You Become a High-Paid Chef?
IIHCA’s culinary arts courses after 12th and barista training programs lay the foundation for a high-earning career:
Comprehensive Training: Learn cooking techniques, global cuisines, and kitchen management under Chef Dev Chand, our Culinary Director with 36 years of experience, including 28 years at Carnival Cruise Line and training under Michelin Star Chef Georges Blanc.
Internship Opportunities: Gain hands-on experience in Indian 5-star hotels (e.g., Taj, Hyatt), UAE, Bahrain, Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, and France.
Global Placements: Connect with top employers in luxury hotels, cruise lines, and international cafes, with 5,000+ alumni in 5-star hotels and 3,000+ in cruise lines.
Skill Development: Master advanced skills like menu planning and food safety, preparing you for executive roles.
Steps to Become a High-Paid Chef
Enroll in a Course: Join IIHCA’s 1 Year Diploma in Culinary Arts or 3-6 Month Barista Certification Course (open to 12th-pass students, no experience needed).
Gain Experience: Complete internships in 5-star hotels or international locations.
Specialize: Focus on high-demand areas like executive cuisine or pastry arts.
Advance Your Career: Leverage IIHCA’s placements to secure roles like executive chef or cruise line chef.
Student Success Stories
Our alumni are our pride! Here’s what some of our students have to say:
Start Your Journey to a High-Paid Chef Career
Wondering what is the highest paid type of chef? The executive chef leads the pack, and IIHCA can get you there. With training, internships in Indian 5-star hotels, UAE, Bahrain, Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, and France, and global placements, your path to a top salary begins now. Enroll today!
Apply here or contact 95282 71717 or info@iihca.in for admission details. Your future as a high-paid chef starts with IIHCA in 2025!