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Air Force Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Nebraska City, NE · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Are you a force for good? Do you dream of sharing your experience in the culinary industry, leading ... air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger. We need a Sous Chef ...

Cashier/Crew Member

Rustburg, VA · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Keep stock levels up on assigned areas * Assist with chef when needed * Wash dishes when needed ... The owner is a veteran of the United States Air Force in which the trailer and food is designed ...

Cashier/Crew Member

Rustburg, VA · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

Keep stock levels up on assigned areas * Assist with chef when needed * Wash dishes when needed ... The owner is a veteran of the United States Air Force in which the trailer and food is designed ...

Executive Chef - Dining

Indian Land, SC · On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

... other air contaminants. * May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals ... Medium work: the ability to exert 10-35 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible ...

Executive Chef - Dining

Indian Land, SC · On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

... other air contaminants * May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals ... Medium work: the ability to exert 10-35 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible ...

Wichita | PMHNP | FT (5d/w)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$137K - $163K/yr

It is home to McConnell Air Force Base, several museums, performing arts groups, theatres, a local ... 000. Koch Industries and Cargill, the two largest privately held companies in the country, both ...

Wichita | PMHNP | FT (5d/w)

Wichita, KS · On-site

$137K - $163K/yr

It is home to McConnell Air Force Base, several museums, performing arts groups, theatres, a local ... 000. Koch Industries and Cargill, the two largest privately held companies in the country, both ...

This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across Air Force and ... The Culinary Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at bases nationwide, shaping the ...

This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across Air Force and ... The Culinary Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at bases nationwide, shaping the ...

This role oversees all culinary programming, standardization, and execution across Air Force and ... The Culinary Director leads a team of Executive Chefs embedded at bases nationwide, shaping the ...

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Air Force Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do air force chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for air force chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Air Force Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Air Force Chef, strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and completion of relevant military food service training are essential. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and military food preparation standards is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals that support the health, morale, and readiness of Air Force personnel.

What is the difference between Air Force Chef vs Army Culinary Specialist?

AspectAir Force ChefArmy Culinary Specialist
CredentialsFood handler permits, culinary certificationsFood handler permits, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, dining facilities, mess hallsMilitary bases, dining facilities, mess halls
Employer & IndustryU.S. Air Force, military food serviceU.S. Army, military food service

Both Air Force Chefs and Army Culinary Specialists prepare meals for service members within the military. They share similar certifications, work environments, and industry usage. The main difference lies in their branch of service, with the Air Force Chef serving in the U.S. Air Force and the Army Culinary Specialist in the U.S. Army. Both roles focus on providing nutritious, well-prepared meals in military settings.

What are Air Force Chefs?

Air Force Chefs are culinary professionals who prepare and serve meals for Air Force personnel. They are responsible for planning menus, ensuring food safety, and meeting the dietary needs of service members. In addition to cooking, they also manage kitchen operations, maintain equipment, and sometimes participate in field deployments or special events. Air Force Chefs play a vital role in maintaining morale and supporting the overall mission by providing nutritious and high-quality meals.

What is the $600000 bonus for the Air Force?

The $600,000 bonus for the Air Force typically refers to enlistment or retention incentives offered to certain specialized roles or in high-demand areas. These bonuses are designed to attract and retain qualified personnel and are usually paid out over several years as part of the enlistment contract. Eligibility depends on specific job requirements and service commitments.

Can you be a chef in the Air Force?

Yes, the Air Force employs chefs as Food Service Specialists who prepare and serve meals for personnel. These roles require completing basic military training and specialized culinary training, along with maintaining food safety standards and teamwork skills.

How much do Air Force chefs make?

Air Force chefs, also known as culinary specialists, typically earn a base salary that ranges from approximately $2,000 to $3,500 per month, depending on rank and years of service. They may also receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement options, with opportunities for advancement and specialized training in military culinary programs.

What are some unique challenges Air Force Chefs face compared to civilian chefs?

Air Force Chefs often work in highly structured and fast-paced environments, where they must prepare large quantities of meals to strict nutritional and timing standards, sometimes in remote or deployed locations. Unlike civilian chefs, they must also adhere to military protocols and may be required to support field operations or emergency situations. Additionally, Air Force Chefs collaborate closely with logistics and supply teams to manage inventory, adapt menus based on available ingredients, and ensure all food safety regulations are followed under varying conditions.

Does the military hire chefs?

Yes, the military hires chefs to prepare meals for service members. Military chefs typically work in dining facilities, follow strict nutritional guidelines, and may need culinary certifications or training in food safety. The Air Force, like other branches, employs chefs as part of its support personnel to ensure proper nutrition and morale.
More about Air Force Chef jobs
What states have the most Air Force Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Air Force Chef jobs include:
Infographic showing various Air Force Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Sous Chef

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Are you a force for good? Do you dream of sharing your experience in the culinary industry, leading a team, and being able to voice and implement your creative ideas? Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? Arbor Day Foundation is a place you can do work that matters, with people who care, in an inspiring environment. As we say at the Foundation: life is short, love where you work.
Arbor Day Farm is a property owned and operated by the Arbor Day Foundation. This property is where our missions come to life! As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger.
We need a Sous Chef to create and develop!
You Have:
  • Leadership skills. A proven ability to select, train, support, and develop supervisors and front-line staff
  • Positive energy. A hands-on team player with a proven track record of translating ideas into effective action.
  • Experience and passion. When it comes to cooking methods, kitchen equipment, best practices, and 1+ years of experience in a related role.
  • Outstanding communication skills. Whether it be written or verbal, this comes naturally to you.
  • Technology aptitude.You have a broad and in-depth understanding of MS-Word, and other restaurant related software programs.

You Will:
  • Develop and create. New menu options based on seasonal changes and customer demand. Assisting with the preparation and planning of meal designs.
  • Supervise. Establish training plans, engage team members, performance evaluations, scheduling, staffing, and manage inventory.
  • Implement. Always adhering to safety and sanitation regulations, training new team members in these areas.
  • Manage. In the Executive Chef's absence, you are running the kitchen and managing the staff with strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Provide Support. To junior kitchen employees with various tasks, including line cooking, food preparation, and dish plating.

Love Where You Work:
  • We're in this together. A culture focused on kindness, collaboration, and the intrinsic shared purpose to do what's right. We pride ourselves on the culture we've built. We love it, and we know you will too.
  • We care about your health. Competitive healthcare (health, dental, vision) coverage for you and your loved ones, matched with a wellness incentives program.
  • We invest in your future. Company paid short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and 401k with company match.
  • We want to stay connected. We'll include you on our property-wide communications so you can stay in the know of company initiatives.
  • We care about your mental health. We offer an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) where you and your family can access free counseling sessions and much more support.
  • We'll round out the experience. We put our culture first, and we host events and experiences throughout the year to show that we care about you (and your family).