Are you a cook who dreams of working in the United States? If so, then you are lucky! There are lots of available cooking jobs in USA with visa sponsorship where you can earn from $18.53 USD per hour to $24.11 USD per hour. The average salary for a cook in the United States is about $40,313 USD per year to $50,160 USD per hour. However, the lowest earning is about $30,910 USD to $45,637 USD and the highest earning of a cook in the United States is from $84,570 USD to $ 92,578 USD and even more.
However, keep in mind that, cooking jobs in the USA vary and their salary as well. Here are some of the most common cooking jobs and their average salaries.
- Line cook: $17.20 USD to $23.46 USD per hour
- Chef: $18.53 USD to $24.11 USD per hour
- Prep cook: $16.03 USD to $18,63 USD per hour
- Kitchen team member: $14.63 USD to $16.46 USD per hour
- Grill cook: $15.76 USD to $17.37 USD per hour
- Pastry cook: $18.59 USD to $25.43 USD per hour
The salary for cooking jobs can also vary depending on the location. For example, cooks in major cities like New York City and Los Angeles typically earn more than cooks in smaller towns.
Cooking jobs in USA with visa sponsorship
If you’re a culinary enthusiast with dreams of making your mark on the vibrant American food scene, cooking jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship offer an enticing gateway to turn your aspirations into reality. The United States boasts a diverse culinary landscape, and opportunities abound for talented chefs, cooks, and culinary professionals from around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the realm of cooking jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship, providing insights, expert advice, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Visit: Food Service Supervisor Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Top-paying cooking jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship
Executive Chef
The executive chef is responsible for the overall operation of the kitchen, including menu development, food preparation, and staff management. They typically earn an annual salary of $60,000 USD to $100,000 USD.
Pastry Chef
The pastry chef is responsible for all aspects of baking and pastry production, including desserts, pastries, and bread. They typically earn an annual salary of $50,000 USD to $80,000 USD.
Sous Chef
The sous chef is the second-in-command to the executive chef and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. They typically earn an annual salary of $40,000 USD to $60,000 USD.
Line Cook
Line cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking food in a specific area of the kitchen. They typically earn an annual salary of $30,000 USD to $40,000 USD.
Prep Cook
Prep cooks are responsible for preparing ingredients and setting up the mise en place for the line cooks. They typically earn an annual salary of $20,000 USD to $30,000 USD.
Culinary Artist
Culinary artists create and execute visually appealing food presentations. They typically earn an annual salary of $40,000 USD to $60,000 USD.
Private Chef
Private chefs cook and prepare meals for individuals or families in their homes. They typically earn an annual salary of $50,000 USD to $100,000 USD.
These are just a few of the many top-paying cooking jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship. The specific salary for each job will vary depending on the employer, experience, and location.
Benefits of working as a cook in the USA
There are many benefits to working as a cook in the USA. Here are a few of the most common:
- High demand for cooks. The food service industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the United States, and there is a high demand for cooks of all levels of experience.
- Variety of job opportunities. Cooks can find jobs in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and more.
- Opportunities for advancement. Cooks with experience and skills can advance to positions such as sous chef, executive chef, or restaurant manager.
- Good pay and benefits. The average salary for cooks in the USA is $42,490 per year, and many employers offer benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.
- Opportunity to learn new skills. Cooks have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques and to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in food service.
- Satisfying career. Cooking can be a very satisfying career, as it allows you to use your creativity and skills to create delicious food for others.
Of course, there are also some challenges to working as a cook, such as long hours, demanding work conditions, and the risk of injury. However, the benefits of working as a cook in the USA can outweigh the challenges for many people.
Challenges of working as a cook in the USA
Here are some of the challenges of working as a cook in the USA:
- Long hours and demanding work conditions. Cooks often work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work overtime or on short notice. The work environment can be demanding, with high levels of stress and pressure.
- Physical demands. The job of a cook can be physically demanding, requiring lifting, carrying, and standing for long periods of time. There is also a risk of injury from cuts, burns, and slips and falls.
- Low pay and benefits. The average salary for cooks in the USA is $42,490 per year, and many employers do not offer benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, or retirement plans.
- High turnover rate. The turnover rate for cooks is high, as many people find the job to be too demanding or stressful.
- Competition for jobs. There is a lot of competition for cook jobs, as the food service industry is a large and growing sector.
- Risk of foodborne illness. Cooks are responsible for preparing food that is safe to eat, and there is always a risk of foodborne illness.
Despite these challenges, there are many rewards to working as a cook. Cooks have the opportunity to use their creativity and skills to create delicious food for others. They can also learn new skills and techniques, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in food service. If you are passionate about cooking and are willing to work hard, a career as a cook can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Types of cooking jobs available in the USA
There are many different types of cooking jobs available in the USA, each with its own set of responsibilities and requirements. Here are some of the most common types of cooking jobs:
Line cook
Line cooks are responsible for preparing food in a restaurant kitchen. They typically work on a specific station, such as the grill, fryer, or sauté pan. Line cooks need to have good knife skills, be able to work quickly and efficiently, and be able to follow recipes.
Prep cook
Prep cooks are responsible for preparing ingredients for the line cooks. They typically chop vegetables, wash dishes, and set up mise en place (the French term for “everything in its place”). Prep cooks need to be organized and efficient, and they need to have good knife skills.
Sous chef
Sous chefs are the second-in-command in a restaurant kitchen. They typically oversee the line cooks and prep cooks, and they help the executive chef create the menu and train new staff. Sous chefs need to have a strong understanding of cooking techniques and food safety, and they need to be able to manage a team.
Executive chef
Executive chefs are the head chefs in a restaurant kitchen. They are responsible for the overall operation of the kitchen, including creating the menu, ordering food, and managing the staff. Executive chefs need to have a deep understanding of cooking techniques and food safety, and they need to be able to manage a team and work under pressure.
Private chef
Private chefs cook for individuals or families in their homes. They typically work long hours, but they have more flexibility than cooks in restaurants. Private chefs need to be able to adapt to the needs of their clients, and they need to have a strong understanding of different cuisines.
Corporate chef
Corporate chefs develop recipes and menus for restaurants and other food service operations. They typically work for large companies, and they need to be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Corporate chefs need to have a strong understanding of food trends and nutrition, and they need to be able to work under pressure.
Catering chef
Catering chefs plan and prepare food for events, such as weddings, banquets, and corporate functions. They typically work long hours, and they need to be able to work under pressure. Catering chefs need to have a strong understanding of food safety, and they need to be able to work with a team.
Top cooking schools in the USA that offer visa sponsorship
Culinary Institute of America (CIA)
It is a world-renowned culinary school with campuses in Hyde Park, New York, San Antonio, Texas, and Napa Valley, California. The CIA offers a variety of programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and food business management. The CIA also offers several certificate programs.
Le Cordon Bleu
Le Cordon Bleu is a French culinary school with campuses in Paris, London, New York City, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Also, offers a variety of programs, including diplomas and bachelor’s degrees in culinary arts, pastry arts, and wine and beverage studies.
Johnson & Wales University (JWU)
Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a private university with campuses in Providence, Rhode Island, Charlotte, North Carolina, Denver, Colorado, and Orange County, California. JWU offers a variety of programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality management.
International Culinary Center (ICC)
The International Culinary Center (ICC) is a private culinary school with campuses in New York City and Los Angeles. The ICC offers a variety of programs, including diplomas and certificate programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, and wine and beverage studies.
French Culinary Institute (FCI)
The French Culinary Institute (FCI) is a private culinary school with a single campus in New York City. The FCI offers a variety of programs, including diplomas and certificate programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, and baking and pastry arts.
These are just a few of the many top cooking schools in the USA that offer visa sponsorship. When choosing a school, it is important to consider your individual needs and goals. Be sure to research the schools carefully and compare their programs, faculty, and facilities.
Best cities in the USA for cooking jobs with visa sponsorship
New York
New York City is a major culinary hub with a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. The city is also home to many cooking schools and culinary programs, which can help you improve your skills and knowledge.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is another major culinary city with a diverse food scene. The city is also home to many Hollywood studios, which can provide opportunities for catering work.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a city known for its innovative cuisine and its focus on sustainability. The city is also home to many tech companies, which can provide opportunities for corporate catering work.
Miami
Miami is a city known for its vibrant Latin American food scene. The city is also a popular tourist destination, which can provide opportunities for restaurant work.
Chicago
Chicago is a city known for its deep dish pizza and its hot dogs. The city is also home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, which can provide opportunities for high-end cooking work.
These are just a few of the many great cities in the USA for cooking jobs with visa sponsorship. When choosing a city, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to research the cities carefully and compare their job markets, costs of living, and cultural attractions.
Top restaurants in the USA that sponsor visas for cooks
Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park in New York City is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers modern American cuisine. The restaurant has a long history of sponsoring visas for cooks, and it is known for its high standards of excellence.
The French Laundry
The French Laundry in Yountville, California is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers French cuisine. The restaurant is known for its innovative dishes and its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Per Se
Per Se in New York City is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers American cuisine. The restaurant is known for its tasting menu, which changes seasonally.
The Modern
The Modern in New York City is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers modern American cuisine. The restaurant is known for its focus on sustainability and its use of local ingredients.
Marea
Marea in New York City is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers seafood cuisine. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes and its extensive wine list.
These are just a few of the many top restaurants in the USA that sponsor visas for cooks. When choosing a restaurant, it is important to consider your individual needs and goals. Be sure to research the restaurants carefully and compare their menus, atmosphere, and location.
How to get a cooking job in USA with visa sponsorship
Meet the eligibility requirements for a work visa
The most common work visa for cooks is the H-2B visa, which is for temporary non-agricultural workers. To be eligible for an H-2B visa, you must:
- Be a citizen of a country that has a visa-free or visa waiver program with the United States.
- Have at least one year of experience as a cook.
- Be able to speak English fluently.
- Have a job offer from a US employer that is willing to sponsor your visa.
Find a US employer that is willing to sponsor your visa
The best way to find a US employer that is willing to sponsor your visa is to network with other cooks in the industry. You can also search for job postings that specifically mention visa sponsorship.
Apply for the H-2B visa
Once you have a job offer from a US employer, they will help you apply for the H-2B visa. The application process can be complex, so it is important to work with an immigration lawyer.
Enter the United States and start working
Once your H-2B visa is approved, you can enter the United States and start working for your sponsoring employer. The visa is valid for up to 3 years, and you can renew it for an additional 3 years.
Here are some additional tips for getting a cooking job in the USA with visa sponsorship:
- Get certified by a recognized culinary organization. This will demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers.
- Build your portfolio. Create a website or online portfolio to showcase your work.
- Attend industry events. This is a great way to network with other cooks and learn about job opportunities.
- Be persistent. It may take some time to find a job that is willing to sponsor your visa, but don’t give up.
Requirements for getting a cooking job in the USA with visa sponsorship
The requirements for getting a cooking job in the USA with visa sponsorship vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, some of the common requirements include:
- Citizenship from a country that has a visa-free or visa waiver program with the United States.
- At least one year of experience as a cook.
- Ability to speak English fluently.
- Job offers from a US employer that is willing to sponsor your visa.
- Passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiration of your visa.
- Medical examination.
- Background check.
The specific requirements for the H-2B visa, which is the most common work visa for cooks, are as follows:
- The job must be temporary (less than 1 year) or seasonal (at least 3 months but less than 1 year).
- The employer must be unable to find a qualified US worker to fill the position.
- The employer must agree to pay the cook the prevailing wage for the position.
The application process for the H-2B visa can be complex, so it is important to work with an immigration lawyer.
Steps involved in the visa sponsorship process
The visa sponsorship process can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are coming from. However, the general steps involved are as follows:
- Find a US employer that is willing to sponsor your visa. The employer will need to prove that they cannot find a qualified US worker to fill the position.
- The employer will file a petition with USCIS on your behalf. This petition will include information about the position, the salary, and why the employer cannot find a qualified US worker.
- USCIS will review the petition and decide whether to approve it. If the petition is approved, the employer will be issued a visa number.
- You will apply for the visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process will include providing documentation such as your passport, medical exam results, and background check.
- If your visa application is approved, you will be able to enter the United States and start working for your sponsoring employer.
The visa sponsorship process can take several months, so it is important to start the process early. The specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, so it is important to work with an immigration lawyer to ensure that you are meeting all of the requirements.
Others
Here are some of the documents that you may need to provide as part of the visa sponsorship process:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Medical exam results
- Background check
- Proof of education and/or work experience
- Job offer letter from the US employer
- Affidavit of support from the US employer
The cost of the visa sponsorship process will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are coming from. However, it is typically several thousand dollars.
How can I make my resume stand out to employers who are looking to sponsor visas for cooks?
- Highlight your skills and experience. Be sure to highlight the skills and experience that are relevant to the cooking jobs you are applying for. This could include your knowledge of different cuisines, your ability to work under pressure, and your creativity.
- Use keywords. When you are applying for cooking jobs with visa sponsorship, it is important to use the right keywords in your resume. This will help your resume get noticed by potential employers. You can find keywords by looking at job postings and by using online resources such as Indeed or Monster.
- Tailor your resume to each job. Don’t just send out the same resume for every job you apply for. Take the time to tailor your resume to each job so that it highlights the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
- Get someone else to proofread your resume. Before you submit your resume, be sure to get someone else to proofread it for any errors. This will help you make sure that your resume is free of mistakes and that it makes a good impression on potential employers.
Here are some additional tips:
- Include a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers and highlight your skills and experience. Be sure to tailor your cover letter to each job you apply for.
- Network with people in the industry. Networking is a great way to learn about cooking jobs with visa sponsorship and to get your foot in the door. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to friends and family who may know someone who is hiring.
- Be persistent. It may take some time to find a cooking job with visa sponsorship but don’t give up. Keep applying for jobs and networking with people in the industry. Your hard work will eventually pay off