Salary Guide

Private Chef Salary Guide — UK, Europe & UAE 2026

A private chef is among the most sought-after household staff positions, and salaries reflect the level of culinary skill, creativity, and discretion required. This guide provides current salary benchmarks for private chefs and executive chefs working in private households across the UK, UAE, and Europe in 2026, based on live market data from The Home Staff platform.

Experience Level	UK (£ gross/year)	UAE (AED gross/year)	Europe (€ gross/year)
Private Chef (2–5 yrs)	£60,000 – £70,000	AED 220,000 – 320,000+	€45,000 – €60,000
Private Chef (5+ yrs)	£80,000 – £150,000+	AED 280,000 – 450,000+	€55,000 – €80,000+
Head / Executive Chef (2–5 yrs)	£70,000 – £100,000	AED 350,000 – 500,000+	€55,000 – €70,000+
Head / Executive Chef (5+ yrs)	£100,000 – £200,000	AED 350,000 – 600,000+	€70,000 – €120,000+

All figures are gross annual salary. Chefs with Michelin-starred backgrounds, specialist dietary expertise, or multi-property travel requirements command rates at the top of or beyond these ranges.

What to Include in a Private Chef Job Post

The more specific your brief, the stronger your candidate shortlist. Include: number of people being cooked for regularly, any dietary requirements, cuisines expected (e.g. Japanese, Middle Eastern, plant-based), travel requirements, whether the role involves event cooking, and whether the chef will manage the kitchen budget.

What Affects a Private Chef's Salary?

Culinary background and training. A chef with formal training at a culinary institute — Le Cordon Bleu, Ferrandi, or equivalent — or with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants commands a significant premium over a self-taught cook. The prestige of previous employers, the level of cuisine expected, and the complexity of formal entertaining requirements all directly influence the rate.
Dietary specialisms. Chefs skilled in specific dietary requirements — kosher, halal, vegan, raw food, macrobiotic, or complex allergy management — are in increasing demand, particularly in the UAE and among internationally mobile families. A chef who can seamlessly manage multiple complex dietary requirements simultaneously commands a meaningful salary premium.
Multi-property and travel. Private chefs who travel with families between residences — London, Dubai, the South of France, the Caribbean — are among the highest earners in the category. Travel availability is one of the most significant differentiators in chef salary negotiations. Many travelling chefs negotiate either a higher base salary or a separate per-day travel rate on top of their standard contract.
Kitchen management responsibility. A head or executive chef who manages kitchen staff, oversees suppliers and budgets, plans menus across multiple residences, and coordinates catering for large-scale private events carries considerably more responsibility than a chef cooking for a family of four. This management dimension is reflected in the significantly higher salary range for head and executive chef roles.
Live-in arrangements. Some private chef roles include live-in accommodation, particularly in rural estates or UAE residences. As with other live-in household roles, the base salary may be slightly lower to reflect the accommodation benefit, but the total package value is typically comparable.
UK employer costs. Employers must operate PAYE, pay employer National Insurance contributions (approximately 13.8% above the secondary threshold), and make auto-enrolment pension contributions — adding approximately 13–15% on top of gross salary.
UAE employer costs. Employers must provide visa sponsorship, health insurance, and end-of-service gratuity (21 days' pay per year for the first 5 years of service). There is no income tax in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a private chef cost per year in the UK?

A private chef with 2–5 years of experience costs £60,000–£70,000 gross per year. Senior chefs with 5+ years earn £80,000–£150,000+. Executive chefs managing formal entertaining can earn £100,000–£200,000. As employer you also pay employer National Insurance contributions (approximately 13.8%) on top of the gross salary.

How much does a private chef earn in Dubai?

In Dubai, private chefs earn AED 220,000–320,000 at the 2–5 year level, rising to AED 280,000–450,000+ for senior candidates. Executive chefs can earn AED 350,000–600,000+. There is no income tax in the UAE. Employers provide visa sponsorship, health insurance, and end-of-service gratuity.

How much does a private chef earn in Europe?

In France and Italy, private chefs earn between €55,000 and €100,000 gross per year. Seasonal positions for villas, yachts, or ski chalets are often quoted as daily rates ranging from €300 to €600+ per day depending on the chef's background and the complexity of service.

What is the difference between a private chef and a household cook?

A private chef has professional culinary training, typically from restaurant or hospitality backgrounds. They create original menus, manage kitchen equipment and suppliers, cater to complex dietary needs, and handle formal entertaining. A household cook prepares everyday family meals from established recipes without the advanced technical skills of a trained chef. Salaries reflect this distinction significantly.

What dietary specialisms increase a private chef's salary?

Chefs skilled in kosher, halal, vegan, raw food, or complex allergy management are in high demand — particularly in the UAE and among international families. A chef who can manage multiple complex dietary requirements across a household simultaneously commands a significant premium.

Do private chefs who travel earn more?

Yes. Private chefs who travel with families between multiple residences are among the highest earners in the category. Travel availability is a significant differentiator in salary negotiations, and many travelling chefs negotiate either a higher base salary or a separate per-day travel rate on top of their standard contract.

Find a Verified Private Chef Through The Home Staff

The Home Staff connects families and principals directly with verified private chefs and executive chefs across the UK and UAE. Post your role for free — you only pay when you choose to unlock a candidate's full profile. From £500 for 5 CVs, with no agency commission and no hidden fees. Every chef on the platform has been verified with ID and personally sponsored by two existing members of The Home Staff community before their profile goes live.