The cost of hiring a chalet chef depends mainly on three things.
1. Independent consultant, or recruited for you to hire directly?
This is one of the biggest pricing differences.
Independent consultant chef
the chef is an independent contractor and invoices through the placement
the chef is responsible for their own tax, insurance and contractor obligations
on paper this is usually the higher rate, because it carries contractor flexibility and no employer obligations for you
Recruited chef (we run the search, you hire directly)
we advertise the role, headhunt and vet candidates, and you engage the chosen chef directly
pay is shown as a gross salary, and the employment is set up compliantly under local law
Quarterdeck brokers and coordinates the recruitment; it does not become the chef's employer
2. Is a visa or work permit needed?
This can materially affect the total cost. If the placement requires a work permit, visa processing, right-to-work administration or related compliance support, those costs are usually additional and are not included in the base rate. Where a permit is required it is arranged properly; we do not place anyone who does not have the right to work for the assignment.
3. How experienced is the chef?
Experience changes price significantly. A developing or starting-level chalet chef is usually priced lower than a more senior chef who can manage higher-end guest expectations, more complex menus, dietary requirements, greater independence and more polished service.
Quarterdeck chalet chef pricing guide
Daily chalet chef hire
from €250 to €500 per day depending on the scope of work.
Usually suitable for short-cover bookings, single-day support, or flexible/ad hoc work.
Weekly chalet chef hire
Consultant model, including Quarterdeck coordination and invoicing:
from €1,400 per week for starting-level chalet chefs
€1,600 to €2,000 per week for more senior chalet chefs
This includes sourcing and matching, hiring coordination, invoicing through Quarterdeck, and management of the placement process. It assumes the chef works as an independent consultant, responsible for their own insurance, tax and contractor obligations.
Monthly chalet chef hire (longer placements)
Consultant model
€6,000 to €8,000 per month
chef pays their own taxes, insurance and contractor costs
Recruited / direct-hire model
€3,000 to €6,000 gross per month
chef employed directly by you, set up compliantly; amount depends on experience and structure
Important exclusions
The pricing above does not usually include work permit costs, visa costs, permit administration, travel (if separately agreed), or provisioning and ingredient costs (unless specifically included). We have candidates in many locations, so we can often propose someone who already holds the right to work for the destination; where a specific individual does need a permit, we help arrange it properly and those costs are additional.
What is included in Quarterdeck pricing?
Quarterdeck pricing includes a 15% commission for managing the placement and invoicing. This covers sourcing, vetting, matching, hiring coordination, client invoicing, and payout administration to the chef. So the total is not just the chef's pay; it also reflects the managed placement process behind the booking.
Simple pricing summary
€250 to €500/day for day jobs
€1,400/week for starting-level chalet chefs (consultant)
€1,600 to €2,000/week for more senior chalet chefs (consultant)
€6,000 to €8,000/month for consultant chalet chefs
€3,000 to €6,000 gross/month for a recruited, directly-hired chef
Work permit and visa-related costs are usually additional.
Best fit
The final quote usually depends on: consultant vs recruited/direct-hire, whether a work permit is needed, chef experience, length of booking, guest numbers and service expectations.