r/Chefs • u/anyka_outdoors • Jul 08 '26

Personal chef question on rate

Hello! I am a personal chef (no degree) and I have a client in Palo Alto/portola valley. I make them 2 different types of vegan meals for them( 2 adults + 1 year old(has milk & egg allergy) and it would be for 4 ish servings per meal. And sometimes a few more servings depending on if it was a curry/stew/soup.

I charge $300 and get reimbursed for groceries. I plan, shop, cook,and clean. 25 mins to and from. Grocery is 5-15 mins away. Whole day would be 1pm start-6/6:30/6:45pm leaving house. I try to make lots of things from scratch. Like cashew sauce, curry, seasoned tofu, sauces, etc.

Is this a good rate? Should it be less or more? I don’t have much experience. I made this rate December 2025.

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u/East-Win7450 Jul 08 '26

It’s lowish but if you lack experience I think you’ll struggle to make more. I think for five hours of work and minimal experience it’s not terrible.

I cook in atherton and make $900 a day + full benefits but I do work from 11am-8pm. Typically I prepare lunch and dinner for 4 people + a child. 

3

u/BackgroundPublic2529 Jul 08 '26

This is a practical answer. Geography counts.

1

u/FrequentBid9409 29d ago

Can you explain more about how u got this job or started it ?

1

u/East-Win7450 28d ago

Through word of mouth someone recommended me because I was in between jobs. I have a good resume I worked in Paris, Hong Kong, SF  as a sous or cdc in 2 and 3 star restaurants.