Agency chefs have the most luxurious jobs. They work when available and get paid for every hour worked. This aspect guarantees you a chance to achieve a work-life balance. They spend enough time with friends and family. Also, they have the chance to try new things. The agency chef work in different kitchens and hospitality facilities that open doors to learning new skills. While this is the case, payment can be a concern. You might wonder whether they get enough money to meet their bills and other needs. So, how much do agency chefs get paid?

Like other jobs, the amount of money you make as a chef working with an agency depends on various aspects. These include:

Number of hours you have worked

The good thing about being an agency chef is you earn money for each hour worked. When you work 40 hours, you will get fit for that time. The same case happens when you work for 80 hours per week. You get paid a healthy wage that aligns with your work time.

This case is different from other chef jobs. For instance, many chefs under permanent contracts earn money for 40hours per week despite working extra hours. So, your payment will equal the hours you spend in the kitchen.  

Your qualification level

Another aspect that determines your payment as an agency chef is the qualification level. Different chef levels attract varying hourly rates. The charge for a Chef de Partie (CDP) will differ from that of a sous chef and head chef.

For instance, a CDP chef’s hourly rate range between £16 and £20. As a sous chef, you will earn between £20 and £24 per hour, while a head chef can receive between £24 and £30 per hour. So, how much you will make as an agency chef depend on your qualification level.     

Length of time booked

Unlike the permanent chefs, you do not have a flexible working schedule. Booking is the norm for agency chefs. A hospitality facility can book you for a day or several months. The length of time booked will determine how much one makes working as an agency chef.

Since long-term bookings attract more payment, you will charge lower hourly rates than when one books you for a day. Hence, your hourly pay depends on the time a client books you. 

Type of kitchen Agency Chefs Work in

The kitchen type you will work in is another determinant of how much you will get paid. Different kitchens require varying skills and techniques. For instance, an agency chef working in a gastro pub kitchen needs a different skillset from a café.

Each kitchen comes with various tasks and activities. If you prepare multiple foods, including ice creams, baked food, and snacks, you will earn better pay than a chef who does not take on such tasks.

Also, an agency chef working in a care home kitchen will earn more than one working in a fast-paced pub. As such, the amount you will make will depend on the type of kitchen you will be working in. A kitchen requiring advanced skillsets will attract a more reasonable payment than one requiring basic knowledge.  

Travel needs

Is your assignment requiring you to travel? When a client booking you is living several miles from you, they need to cater for your commuting expenses. Your payment should include the travel expenses. So, you will need to charge a higher hourly rate for such assignments than ones closer to your location.

In a word, you can get paid between £16 and £30 per hour as an agency chef, depending on the above aspects. So, it is a good opportunity if you are unwilling to engage in a permanent option.

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