Chef/Head Cook in Hollywood, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Hollywood isn't Miami, and it isn't Fort Lauderdale. It’s its own beast—a sprawling, diverse city with a cost of living that’s creeping up but still offers more value than its glitzy neighbors. For a Chef/Head Cook, the financial picture here is a mix of solid opportunity and the same hustle you'll find anywhere in South Florida.

First, the hard numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Chef/Head Cook in Hollywood, FL is $62,486 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.04. This is a slight but meaningful step above the national average of $60,350. The Hollywood metro area supports approximately 307 jobs for this occupation, with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This growth is steady, not explosive, reflecting the stable, year-round dining scene rather than a boom-and-bust tourist cycle.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in our local market. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on industry chatter and local job postings, clustered around that median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Hollywood, FL)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (1-3 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	Line cook, prep, learning station management. Often in hotel banquet kitchens or smaller family restaurants.
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Running a station, managing a small team, menu development for a specific concept. Common in upscale casual and hotel dining.
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Full kitchen management, P&L responsibility, staff scheduling, vendor relations. Head Chef at a popular independent restaurant or a lead role in a hotel.
Expert (15+ years)	$90,000+	Multi-unit oversight, concept development, consulting. Rare, but seen with established chefs opening their own place or managing a flagship hotel property.

Insider Tip: The $62k median is a useful benchmark, but the range in Hollywood is wide. A Head Cook at a high-volume breakfast spot on the beach might earn less than a Chef de Cuisine at a fine-dining concept in a downtown hotel. Your specific earning potential hinges on the venue's price point, location, and clientele.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities:

• Miami: Salaries can be 10-15% higher, but the cost of living and competition are significantly steeper.
• Fort Lauderdale: Very similar to Hollywood, often with slightly higher wages in the downtown/dockside areas, but also higher rent.
• Orlando: Strong hotel and theme park market. Salaries can be competitive, but the work is often more seasonal and less focused on high-end technique.
• Tampa/St. Pete: Comparable salaries with a lower cost of living, especially on the St. Pete side, but a different culinary scene (more Southern influence, less Caribbean/Latin fusion).

Hollywood offers a "sweet spot"—good pay relative to the cost, with access to both Miami's vibrant food scene and Fort Lauderdale's nightlife, without the same intense pressure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. A median salary of $62,486 translates to roughly $4,775 per month before taxes. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (a rough estimate for a single filer in Florida), your take-home pay will be closer to $3,700 - $3,900 per month. Florida has no state income tax, which is a major plus.

The biggest variable in your budget is housing. The average 1BR rent in Hollywood is $1,621/month. The Cost of Living Index is 111.8 (US avg = 100), meaning you're paying about 12% more for everyday goods and services than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Chef/Head Cook earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,800	After taxes, a conservative estimate.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,650	Slightly above average for a decent place.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	A/C is a must, especially in summer.
Groceries & Household	$400	You get a discount on groceries, but you still need to buy them.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$500	A car is non-negotiable in South Florida.
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Dining Out/Entertainment	$300	Essential for networking and palate development.
Miscellaneous/Savings	$500	Emergency fund, continuing education, personal.
TOTAL	$3,800	Tight, but manageable if you're careful.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single median salary, it's a significant challenge. The median home price in Hollywood hovers around $400,000+. A 20% down payment ($80,000) is a steep barrier. With a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, monthly housing costs would likely exceed $2,500, which is a stretch on a $3,800 take-home pay. Dual-income households or those with significant savings have a much better shot. Insider Tip: Many culinary professionals in South Florida eventually partner with a spouse or partner in a different industry to make homeownership viable. Renting for the first few years is the norm.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

The Hollywood job market for chefs is diverse. You're not just looking at standalone restaurants. Here are the key players:

1. The Diplomat Hotel & Resort: A major employer on the beach in Hallandale Beach (just south of Hollywood). They have multiple dining outlets, banquet facilities, and room service. Hiring is steady, especially for banquet and upscale casual roles. They value experience in high-volume, high-quality service.
2. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Located just north of Hollywood in Davie. This is a behemoth. They have over a dozen restaurants, from quick-service to fine dining (like Kuro and Council Oak). Employment is huge, benefits are typically good, and there's room for internal movement. The pace is intense, but the pay can be at the higher end for the area.
3. The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa: Another major hotel property on the beach, offering similar opportunities to the Diplomat Hotel but with its own clientele and concepts.
4. ninja sushi | Japanese Restaurant & Bar: A local, high-end sushi chain with locations in Hollywood and nearby areas. They are known for quality and often hire skilled sushi chefs and kitchen leads.
5. The Tool Shed: A beloved local pub and restaurant in the downtown Hollywood area. Represents the independent, chef-driven scene. Hiring here is less frequent but more competitive. They look for chefs who fit their specific culture and cuisine.
6. Leonard's Medical Center / Memorial Hospital South (Broward Health): Not traditional employers, but they have large cafeterias and catering services for staff and events. These can be stable, 9-5 type jobs with benefits, a good option for those seeking a better work-life balance.
7. The Aventura Mall (nearby): While not in Hollywood, it's a major retail hub with numerous back-of-house kitchen opportunities in its food court and sit-down restaurants, managed by large food service contractors like The Cheesecake Factory or smaller local chains.

Hiring Trends: The trend in Hollywood is toward experiential dining. Hotels are investing in better food programs to compete with independent restaurants. There's also a growing demand for chefs who understand dietary restrictions and can create quality vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options. The post-pandemic market has stabilized, with less panic hiring and more focus on retaining skilled staff.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida does not require a state-level culinary license to work as a chef or head cook. However, there are critical certifications and legal requirements you must meet to operate a kitchen or handle food safely.

• Food Manager Certification: This is the most important credential. While not always required for every position, it is highly preferred by employers and often mandated for any managerial role. The most recognized is the ServSafe Food Manager Certification, administered by the National Restaurant Association.

  • Cost: $120 - $160 for the course and exam.
  • Process: You can take an accredited course online or in-person (local providers like the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association offer them). The exam is proctored. Once passed, the certification is valid for 5 years.
  • Timeline: You can complete the course and exam in a week if you're focused. Most employers will reimburse this cost after a probationary period.

• Food Handler's Permit: All kitchen staff must have this. It's a basic food safety course. Many employers provide it on the first day of hire, or you can get it online for about $10-$15. It's valid for 3 years.

• Business License (If Opening Your Own Place): This is a whole different ballgame. You'll need a business license from the City of Hollywood, a health department permit, a fire department inspection, and potentially a liquor license (a lengthy and expensive process). This requires a lawyer and a business plan.

Insider Tip: Don't wait for a job offer. Get your ServSafe Food Manager Certification before you start seriously applying. It shows initiative and gets you past the first filter on many applications.

Best Neighborhoods for Chef/Head Cooks

Location is everything for commute, lifestyle, and rent. Hollywood is huge, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Hollywood	Walkable, artsy, with galleries and independent restaurants. Commute to beach hotels is 10-15 mins.	$1,550 - $1,750	Chefs who want a live-work-play environment, love supporting local businesses, and don't mind a short drive to the beach.
Hollywood Lakes	Quiet, residential, with canals and parks. Mostly single-family homes. Commute to beaches is 15-20 mins.	$1,600 - $1,850 (for 1BR apt)	Established chefs with families seeking quiet, stability, and a more traditional neighborhood feel.
South Hollywood / Hallandale Beach	More touristy, dense, with high-rises. Home to the Diplomat. Commute to downtown is 10-15 mins.	$1,700 - $2,000	Those who want to live where they work (at the beach hotels) and enjoy the energy of the tourist corridor.
West Hollywood / Pembroke Pines	Suburban, more affordable, with lots of chain restaurants and shopping. Commute to downtown can be 20-30 mins.	$1,400 - $1,600	Budget-conscious chefs, maybe those starting a family, who prioritize space and affordability over walkability.
Davie / Cooper City	Western suburbs with a more rural, equestrian feel. Commute to Hollywood proper is 15-25 mins.	$1,500 - $1,700	Chefs who want a yard, more space, and don't mind a longer drive. Close to Seminole Hard Rock.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-95, US-1, and the Turnpike can be brutal during rush hour. If you land a job at a beach hotel, living south (Hallandale) or north (Davie) can sometimes be a quicker reverse commute compared to living east and driving west. Always test your commute at the time you'd be driving to work before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% job growth over the next decade is promising. It means steady turnover and new openings, but you'll need to be proactive to advance.

• Specialty Premiums: In Hollywood, certain specializations can bump your pay:

  • Sushi Chef: High demand, especially at upscale hotels and dedicated sushi bars. Can command a 10-15% premium.
  • Pastry Chef: In demand at hotels for banquets and in high-end restaurants. Niche skill set.
  • Banquet Chef: A different beast from a la carte. Requires logistics mastery. Pay is solid, benefits often better, but hours can be irregular.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Sous Chef (Mid-Level) -> Head Chef (Senior): The classic path. Requires mastering management, not just cooking.
  2. Head Chef -> Executive Chef: Often means overseeing multiple outlets or a larger hotel property. Requires strong financial acumen (P&L, food cost).
  3. Private Chef: A growing market in affluent South Florida. Requires networking and a stellar reputation. Can be very lucrative but is feast-or-famine.
  4. Consultant/Menu Developer: For chefs with deep experience. Helps new restaurants or hotel concepts get off the ground.
  5. Opening Your Own Place: The ultimate goal for many. Hollywood has a supportive local scene for new concepts, but the financial risk is high.

• 10-Year Outlook: The Hollywood culinary scene will continue to evolve. Expect more focus on local sourcing (from Florida farms), sustainability, and health-conscious menus. Chefs who adapt to these trends while maintaining classic technique will thrive. The hotel market remains the backbone, but independent, chef-owned spots in downtown Hollywood and the surrounding areas will offer the most creative freedom.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-Median Salary relative to national average. $62,486 is a solid base.	Cost of Living is High. Rent and general expenses eat into that salary quickly.
Diverse Job Market. Hotels, independent restaurants, healthcare, and private clubs offer variety.	High Competition. You're competing with talent from Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Stable Growth. 5% job growth indicates a durable market, not a bubble.	Car-Dependent. Public transportation is limited; a reliable car is a must.
Great Location. Access to two major cities, beaches, and a vibrant cultural scene.	Weather. Humidity and hurricane season are real lifestyle factors.
No State Income Tax. Helps offset other costs.	Housing Pressure. The rental market is competitive, and buying is tough on one income.

Final Recommendation:
Hollywood, FL is an excellent choice for a Chef/Head Cook who values stability and a lower-stress environment compared to Miami but still wants to be in the heart of South Florida's action. It's ideal for mid-career professionals ready for a Head Cook or Sous Chef role who can manage the cost of living. It's a tougher sell for entry-level cooks or those looking to buy a home on a single income immediately. If you're adaptable, have a good work ethic, and get your ServSafe certification before you arrive, Hollywood offers a realistic path to a rewarding culinary career.

FAQs

1. Is it easier to find a job in Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale?
Both markets are strong, but they have different personalities. Hollywood has a more laid-back, diverse vibe with a strong local following and hotel-based jobs. Fort Lauderdale's downtown and "Riverwalk" area is more corporate and high-energy. Job availability is similar, but the type of venue differs. Apply broadly across both.

2. How do I stand out in my job search?
First, get that ServSafe Food Manager Certification. Second, tailor your resume to the specific employer—mention experience with high-volume banquets for a hotel, or creative menu development for an independent restaurant. Third, network. Attend events at the Hollywood Food & Wine Festival (if active) or join local Facebook groups for South Florida culinary professionals.

3. What's the biggest mistake newcomers make?
Underestimating the cost of living and the necessity of a car. Many arrive thinking the salary is more than enough, only to be shocked by rent, insurance, and gas prices. Do your budget math carefully before the move.

4. Can I survive on an entry-level salary here?
It's possible but tight. You'll likely need roommates, a very frugal lifestyle, and a longer commute from a more affordable neighborhood like West Hollywood or Pembroke Pines. It's a stepping stone. Use the first 1-2 years to gain experience and build savings.

5. How competitive is the scene?
The competition is professional and skilled. You're not competing with tourists, but with career cooks from Latin America, the Caribbean, and other parts of the US who have brought their skills to South Florida. Quality and reliability are paramount. Show up on time, know your stations, and be a team player.