Making the leap from a high-volume restaurant kitchen to working as a personal chef is an appealing step for experienced cooks. You cook at a refined level, enjoy direct contact with your guests, and gain far greater control over your schedule and menus. But before taking the plunge, one question comes up first: how much does a private chef make in today's culinary market?

A private chef's earnings vary significantly depending on whether you are employed or self-employed, your years of experience, and your target clientele. Whether you prefer a stable monthly salary with one private family or freelance assignments for luxury home dinners, this guide outlines realistic earnings, hourly rates, and operational costs in 2026.

Employed vs. Freelance: How Much Does a Private Chef Make?

Understanding how much does a private chef make starts with distinguishing between salaried employment and working as a self-employed freelancer (ZZP'er).

Employed by a Private Household or Household Agency

Working on a fixed contract as a private chef typically occurs within high-net-worth households, private estates, or through specialized domestic recruitment agencies. In this role, you usually cook daily or several days a week for the same family.

Gross monthly salary: In 2026, an employed private chef in the Netherlands earns an average of €3,200 to €5,500 gross per month based on a full-time contract (38–40 hours per week).
VIP & High-Net-Worth positions: Chefs working for high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), aboard superyachts, or traveling full-time alongside a family can see compensation ranging from €6,000 to over €9,000 gross per month, frequently including room, board, and strong secondary perks.

Self-Employed or Freelance (ZZP)

Most private chefs in the Netherlands operate as independent freelancers registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). They are hired for multi-course dinner parties, intimate weddings, corporate lunches, or private cooking workshops.

Average hourly rate: In 2026, a freelance private chef charges an hourly rate between €55 and €110 ex. BTW.
Exclusive market segment: Chefs with Michelin-star experience or an official SVH Master Chef qualification easily command €120 to €180+ per hour ex. BTW.

Average Hourly Rates and Calculation Methods for Freelance Chefs

As a freelance private chef, you rarely bill strictly for the hours spent standing at the dining table. Experienced chefs price their work as an all-inclusive package per guest or work with a fixed project rate that incorporates prep work, logistics, and cleaning.

The preliminary preparation often takes as much time as cooking on location. A typical booking includes:

Menu design and consultation regarding dietary requirements.
Sourcing premium ingredients from specialty wholesalers and local artisan suppliers.
Mise-en-place in a dedicated prep kitchen.
Travel time, equipment transport, guest service, and returning the client's kitchen to pristine condition.

Practical Revenue Example for a Private Dinner

Imagine catering an exclusive 6-course dinner for 8 guests. You charge an all-inclusive fee of €145 per person (covering food, tableware, cutlery, and linens, ex. BTW).

Total dinner turnover: 8 x €145 = €1,160 ex. BTW.
Ingredient & beverage purchasing (~30%): €348.
Equipment hire & travel costs: €100.
Gross return for labor: €712.
Total hours spent: 8 hours (shopping, prep, travel, service, cleaning).
Effective hourly rate: Approximately €89 ex. BTW per hour.

When evaluating how much does a private chef make, remember to calculate your true hourly yield after deducting ingredient expenses and venue preparation times.

Factors That Influence Your Earnings Potential

If your aim is to increase your client fees and improve your profit margin, your earning potential as a personal chef relies heavily on four key pillars:

Culinary background and reputation: A background in acclaimed kitchens or formal qualifications (such as SVH diplomas) instills immediate confidence. Higher culinary mastery commands premium pricing.
Network and target market: High-end residential clients and corporate bookers prioritize quality, discretion, and presentation over price. Building a reputable personal brand unlocks access to higher-budget events.
Turnkey service packages: Offering comprehensive event management—including wine pairings, premium table settings, and professional service staff—substantially increases your revenue per booking.
Seasonality and holiday rates: May through August (weddings and garden parties) alongside December (holiday celebrations) are peak months. Offering availability during public holidays can warrant a surcharge of 50% to 100% over standard rates.

From Gross Revenue to Net Income

Generating €6,000 per month in gross freelance turnover does not mean that entire sum ends up in your personal bank account. To understand net take-home pay, you must factor in business overhead costs typical for culinary entrepreneurs.

Regular operational costs to budget for include:

Insurance policies: Professional liability insurance (AVB) and income protection / disability insurance (AOV).
Chef equipment: High-end knife sets, specialized chef wear, portable kitchen gear (e.g., sous-vide equipment, Thermomix), and transport expenses.
Hygiene & compliance: HACCP monitoring systems, uniform laundering, and safety certifications.
Administration & KVK expenses: Accountant fees, invoicing software, and banking charges.
Financial buffers: Pension contributions, vacation savings, and cash reserves for quieter seasonal months like January and February.

On average, an independent private chef retains around 55% to 65% of their net revenue (turnover minus direct ingredient costs) as taxable personal income before Dutch income tax.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Chef Earnings

How much does a private chef make on a yacht or abroad?

Salaries on private superyachts or overseas estates are noticeably higher. In 2026, a full-time yacht chef earns between €4,500 and €8,500 net per month on average. Because room, board, and travel expenses are covered by the owner, chefs can save a substantial portion of their income.

Is an SVH diploma required to work as a private chef in the Netherlands?

No diploma is legally mandatory to register as a private chef with the KVK (Chamber of Commerce). However, individual clients and private staffing agencies look for proven culinary experience. An SVH diploma, HACCP certification, or a strong track record in recognized restaurants makes it much easier to justify premium rates.

Do you need to charge BTW on private chef services and ingredients?

Yes, self-employed chefs operating in the Netherlands must account for BTW (VAT). Generally, food preparation and ingredients fall under the reduced 9% BTW rate, while alcoholic drinks, equipment rentals, or separate service fees attract the standard 21% BTW rate. A specialized accountant can assist in structuring invoices correctly.