| In the early days of man as a cave dweller, fire was | | | | according to the region and type of establishment. |
| discovered and ever since, cooked food has been | | | | Wages are usually the highest in elegant restaurants |
| popular. Over a period of time, culinary skills | | | | and hotels, in major metropolitan areas, where many |
| developed into a body of knowledge such that | | | | chefs are employed to head the food production of |
| today, it is both a science and an intricate art. | | | | each type of cuisine. Culinary arts professionals who |
| Culinary arts, as it is otherwise known, involves | | | | decide to work outside of big cities could earn |
| cooking different types of food, either for | | | | between $8-$14 an hour. On the other hand, a line |
| consumption by the person making it or for service | | | | cook in San Francisco can earn $10 to $22 per hour. |
| to other people. The food industry is one of the | | | | A chef in a fine dining restaurant or hotel can earn in |
| fastest growing ones in the U.S. and employs the | | | | excess of $100,000 per year. |
| most number of people, next to government service. | | | | According to the U.S. department of Labor and |
| It is an ever-changing industry that is challenging and | | | | Statistics, 2002, Chefs and Head Cooks had an hourly |
| demanding. Career opportunities in this field are | | | | salary ranging from of $7.66 to $25.86, restaurant |
| available in restaurants, hotels, on board ships and at | | | | cooks from $6.58 to $13.21, institution and cafeteria |
| resorts. This competitive industry offers various | | | | workers from $6.10 to $13.34 and fast-food cooks |
| choices to pursue if one is passionate about food. | | | | from $5.68 to $9.13. |
| Chef, caterer, pastry chef and restaurant cook are | | | | Culinary art is a field highly in demand because it is |
| some of the most familiar options, amongst the | | | | considered as highly fulfilling in terms of job |
| many jobs available for someone who specializes in | | | | satisfaction and professionals in the field are well |
| the culinary arts. There are also management | | | | rewarded. Typically, as in any other industry, the |
| positions such as executive chef, food and beverage | | | | salary levels increased with educational qualifications, |
| manager, sales director and housekeeper. | | | | experience and career advancement. |
| The salaries of chefs and cooks vary greatly | | | | |