Often times we face this particular trade-off in our lives: to do a job we love versus to do a job that pays well. Some people do find a good deal by landing on a job they enjoy and that pays them well too. This notion is true for the World’s highly earning chefs; a category which includes millionaires. These days, working in a restaurant is not the only way how chefs earn; they sell their cooking books and also host television programs. Even the public enjoys watching these chefs in action-evident by the fact that Master Chef Australia is Australia’s most watched television series. The Master Chef cooking game show originated in the 1990s (United Kingdom) and now it is produced in more than 35 countries. Participating in these shows and doing well certainly increases a chef’s popularity. These people have acquired the skills that allow them to rule the hearts of the people via their stomachs. Out of these 10 highly earning chefs, 8 are male chefs while 2 are female chefs. Here goes the list of top 10 highly earning chefs of 2020. The earnings and worth is mentioned against each chef.
10. Guy Fieri
Net Worth of Guy Fieri: $11 million
Guy Fieri is an American restaurateur, author, and television personality. He is considered to be the Food Network’s most popular star where his show (Diners Drive-Ins and Dives) is aired about eight times a day! Even more than a cook he is popular for his unique personality. In 2013, Guy Fieri won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Special. With earnings worth of $11 million, he ranks 10th in our list of top 10 highly earning chefs of 2020.
9. Todd English
Net Worth of Todd English: $18.5 million
Todd English is a Boston based American chef, restaurateur, author, television personality and an entrepreneur. This talented cook is famous for his restaurant, Olives, and his cooking television show, Food Trip with Todd English. Not only a cook, Todd is also an inventor and has filed a patent for his rotisserie grill. The previous year brought some lows for Todd where his restaurant had to shut down after a grease-fire (and then was re-opened). This old chef also had to face a law-suit following the allegations of owed rent. Nevertheless, with $18.5 million, Todd English has grasped a place in the World’s top ten highly earning chefs. In 2012, he was induced to the Culinary Hall of Fame.
8. Alain Ducasse
Net Worth of Alain Ducasse: $19 million
Alain Ducasse is a French born chef who is well reputed in the culinary World. He owns many restaurants; however, most of his revenue comes from a restaurant at Mandalay Bay at Las Vegas. He is the first chef to have restaurants carrying 3 Michelin Stars in 3 cities. In addition, he is one of the two chefs to hold 21 Michelin Stars during his career. In 2013, he had the honor of receiving the Lifetime Achievement on ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list. Alain Ducasse is the 8th most earning chef with $19 million worth in 2020.
7. Mario Batali
Net Worth of Mario Batali: $28 million
Mario Batali is an American chef, restaurateur, writer, and television personality. He is most famous for his expertise on Italian cuisine. Most of his earnings come from his restaurants and then from his television shows. Also, he sells licensed cooking-ware, wine, and pasta sauces. This rich chef has earned many awards including ‘Best Chef: New York City’ (2002), ‘Best Restaurateur’ (2008), and ‘All-Clad Cookware Outstanding Chef Award’ (2005) from the James Beard Foundation. In addition, he has been induced to the Culinary Hall of Fame (2012). With $28 million, he ranks 7th in our list of 2020’s best chefs ranked on basis of earning.
6. Bobby Flay
Net Worth of Bobby Flay: $30 million
Bobby Flay is an American chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality. He is one of the Food Network’s most renowned stars. He is famous for his Mexican cuisine. His restaurants include Mesa Grill, Bar Americain, Bobby Flay Steak, and Bobby’s Burger Palace. This talented guy has earned many awards including four Emmy Awards and three awards by the James Beard Foundation. He has also been induced to the Culinary Hall of Fame. With $9 million, Bobby Flay ranks 6th in our list.
5. Paula Deen
Net worth of Paula Deen: $38 million
Paula Deen is an American chef, restaurateur, author, and television host. She is most famous for (and criticized for) her butter and sugary recipes. This lady chef has published 14 books, including the best-seller Southern Cooking Bible. She has won the Daytime Emmy Award (Outstanding Lifestyle Host). Few years back, she revealed to have type 2 diabetes. Despite this, her television appearances, restaurants partnerships, and books are still going strong. Paula Deen has ranked 5th in our list with $38 million worth of earnings.
4. Wolfgang Puck
Net worth of Wolfgang Puck: $84 million
Wolfgang Puck is an Australian chef, restaurateur, and businessman. Apart from restaurant chains (20 restaurants), he also offers catering service and licensed products. He is most famous for his modern take on pizzas. Meeting the cyber challenge of the modern times, Puck has introduced an app which includes recipes, party planning ideas, and links to his restaurants. His awards include James Beard Foundation Award, and Daytime Emmy Award. In 2013, Puck had the honor of being included to the Culinary Hall of Fame. With estimated net worth of $84 million, Wolfgang Puck ranks 4th in this list of highly paid chefs of 2020.
3. Rachael Ray
Net worth of Rachael Ray: $100 million
Rachael Ray is an American chef, author, businesswoman, and a television personality. She has written many cookbooks and has also launched her own magazine: ‘Everyday with Rachael Ray’. Her television shows include 30 Minute Meals, $40 a Day, and Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels. Rachael has written about 20 books-the latest being ‘The Book of Burger’. She is the only chef in our list who does not own a restaurant! Amongst other awards, Rachael has thrice won the Daytime Emmy Awards. With estimated net worth of $100 million, she ranks third in the list of chefs who earn a lot.
2. Nobu Matsuhisa
Net Worth of Nobu Matsuhisa: $200 million
Nobu Matsuhisa is a Japanese born chef and restaurateur. He is best known for his fusion cuisine which combines Japanese cuisine with South American cuisine. His restaurants are Nobu Restaurants and Matsuhisa Restaurants which have branches (about 14) not only in the United States but also around the globe (about 18 branches-including in Athens, London, Hong Kong, and Mumbai). His latest endeavor is a hotel, Nobu Hotel Las Vegas which opened in January 2013. The awards include Michelin Star for three of his restaurants and an award from the Japanese society for achievements in food culture. With $200 million worth of earnings, Nobu ranks second in our list.
1. Gordon Ramsay
Net Worth of Gordon Ramsay: $260 million
If you are looking for the highly earning chef, you are the right place. The highly earning chef in the world is Gordon Ramsay who is a Scottish chef who is known as a television personality from his various TV shows and a restaurateur. This talented chef has earned various awards including 15 Michelin Stars and 3 Catey Awards. In 2006, he was appointed as the Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. His shows include Hell’s Kitchen, Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, The F Word, Ramsay’s Best Restaurant, etc. This 54 years old chef owns 23 restaurants around the World and is planning to expand both his television projects and his restaurants (The Fat Cow is to open this fall in Los Angeles while the television show Hotel Hell will premier this August). With $260 million dollars, Gordon Ramsay has topped this list.