1

Airline Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef 2

Dulles, VA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Airline Lounges is seeking a Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for the Lufthansa Airlines Lounge at Dulles Int'l Airport in Dulles, VA. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for ...

Executive Chef 2

Dulles, VA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Airline Lounges is seeking a Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for the Lufthansa Airlines Lounge at Dulles Int'l Airport in Dulles, VA. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for ...

Executive Chef 2

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Airline Lounges is seeking a Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for the Lufthansa Airlines Lounge at Dulles Int'l Airport in Dulles, VA. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for ...

Executive Sous Chef

Dulles, VA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager to join the elite team of professionals who will operate the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Dulles ...

Executive Sous Chef

Dulles, VA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager to join the elite team of professionals who will operate the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Dulles ...

Executive Sous Chef

Dulles, VA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segmenthas an exciting opportunity for a seasonedSous Chef / Kitchen Managerto join the elite team of professionals who will operate the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Dulles ...

Executive Sous Chef

Dulles, VA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager to join the elite team of professionals who will operate the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Dulles ...

First Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$21/hr

LSG Sky Chefs with over 75 years of Catering history is immediately hiring Full-Time team players to prepare products for our Airline, E-Commerce, and Retail customers. We are the worlds leading ...

First Cook

Arlington, VA · On-site

$21/hr

LSG Sky Chefs with over 75 years of Catering history is immediately hiring Full-Time team players to prepare products for our Airline, E-Commerce, and Retail customers. We are the world's leading ...

Delivery Driver

Arlington, VA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

LSG Sky Chefs with over 75 years of Catering history is immediately hiring full- time team players to prepare products for our Airline, E-Commerce, and Retail customers. We are the world's leading ...

LSG Sky Chefs with over 75 years of Catering history is immediately hiring full- time team players to prepare products for our Airline, E-Commerce, and Retail customers. We are the worlds leading ...

Delivery Driver

Arlington, VA · On-site

$22.40/hr

LSG Sky Chefs with over 75 years of Catering history is immediately hiring full- time team players to prepare products for our Airline, E-Commerce, and Retail customers. We are the world's leading ...

Delivery Driver

Arlington, VA · On-site

$22.40/hr

LSG Sky Chefs with over 75 years of Catering history is immediately hiring full- time team players to prepare products for our Airline, E-Commerce, and Retail customers. We are the world's leading ...

Airline Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do airline chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for airline chef in Virginia is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an airline chef do?

An Airline Chef is responsible for designing and preparing in-flight meals that meet airline standards and passenger preferences. They create menus, ensure food safety and quality, and coordinate with catering teams to produce meals in large quantities. Airline Chefs must consider nutritional balance, dietary restrictions, and strict time constraints while maintaining high culinary standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an airline chef?

To thrive as an Airline Chef, you need extensive culinary training, experience in high-volume food preparation, and a strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, airline catering logistics, and certifications such as ServSafe or equivalent are typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for coordinating with catering teams and meeting tight deadlines. These skills ensure meals meet both strict safety standards and customer satisfaction while operating within the unique constraints of in-flight service.

How do you become an airline chef?

To become an airline chef, you typically need professional culinary training and experience in high-volume food preparation. Many airline chefs have backgrounds as executive chefs or cooks, and may obtain certifications such as ServSafe. Strong skills in food safety, menu planning, and working in fast-paced environments are essential.

How much do airline chefs make?

Airline chefs, also known as in-flight catering chefs, typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, airline size, and location. They prepare meals in a fast-paced environment, often requiring food safety certifications and the ability to work irregular hours.

What are popular job titles related to Airline Chef jobs in Virginia?

For Airline Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airline Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,786 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Executive Chef 2

Sodexo

Dulles, VA • On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Sodexo Live! Airline Lounges is seeking a Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for the Lufthansa Airlines Lounge at Dulles Int'l Airport in Dulles, VA. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for delivering an elevated guest experience.

Strong leadership experience in scratch kitchen operations is required, with a preference for candidates from luxury hotel, restaurant, or hospitality backgrounds.

About the job

Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You'll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.


Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $77605 - $100430

What's in it for you

  • Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.
  • Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.
  • Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.
  • Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.
  • Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.
  • Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.
  • Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.


What you'll bring 

  • Extensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
  • Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.
  • Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.
  • ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 1-3 years
  • Related Experience: 1-3 years


What we offer 

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 

  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions 

  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays 

  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement 

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are 

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please completethis form. 


What Sodexo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom