What is the standard rate of pay? For beginning private chefs who cook the simplest meals, the customary rate is $35/hour. Four Star Private Chef candidates, most of whom have 5+ years of experience in fine dining, can expect to earn a starting salary of $40-$45/hour. Most families prefer to create a salaried position based on an average of 5 hours worked each day. Are taxes taken out of the paycheck? Yes, most families can easily set up a payroll service if one is not already in place. Do I pay the chef even if I cancel or go on vacation? Generally, yes. The chef has made a commitment to you and is relying on predictable income. However, flexibility is important to our clients, and our chefs will make every effort to accommodate a cancellation on another day. The chef's vacation should coincide with yours whenever possible. How long will it take Four Star Private Chefs to find a chef? The complexity of the position will determine the length of the search. Most clients will meet two chef candidates within two weeks. > more questions What is the standard rate of pay? Are taxes taken out of the paycheck? Do I pay the chef even if I cancel or go on vacation? How long will it take Four Star Private Chefs to find a chef? Do you recruit chefs from other cities? Or place chefs in other cities? Will my private chef do all our household shopping? Clean out the refrigerator? Pick up the dry-cleaning? Wash the dog?