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Airline Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 ... As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of ...

JCSI

Specialty Cousine Sous Chef

Philadelphia, PA

$69K/yr

Philadelphia, PA (Airport Area) $69,000 Annual Salary Full-Time | Immediate Opening We are seeking an experienced Specialty Cuisine Sous Chef to join a large-scale airline catering operation serving ...

SkyChefs - Houston

Catering Sous Chef

Houston, TX

$80K - $90K/yr

As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of ... As a Specialty Cuisine Sous Chef, specializing in Japanese cuisine, you'll craft scratch-made ...

SkyChefs

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA

$86K - $108K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $86,417.73 ... As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of ...

New

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 ... As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of ...

Sodexo

Airline Lounges Executive Chef

Jamaica, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Role Overview Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for an Executive Chef to join the elite team supporting our Premium Lounge portfolio at JFK International Airport in New York ...

New

Sodexo

Airline Lounges Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

Role Overview Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for an Executive Chef to join the elite team supporting our Premium Lounge portfolio at Los Angeles International Airport ...

Sodexo

Airline Lounges Executive Chef

NY · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Role Overview Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for an Executive Chef to join the elite team supporting our Premium Lounge portfolio at JFK International Airport in New York ...

New

Sodexo

Airline Lounges Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

Role Overview Sodexo's Airline Lounge Segment has an exciting opportunity for an Executive Chef to join the elite team supporting our Premium Lounge portfolio at Los Angeles International Airport ...

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Airline Chef information

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How much do airline chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for airline 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 do airline chefs do?

Airline chefs prepare and cook meals for in-flight service, ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. They often work in specialized kitchens or onboard aircraft, using culinary skills and knowledge of airline catering regulations to create menus suitable for passengers and crew.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Airline Chef?

Airline Chefs are responsible for preparing, cooking, and packaging large quantities of meals that meet airline specifications, ensuring they adhere to safety and hygiene standards. Their daily tasks often include working closely with catering managers, overseeing kitchen staff, and adapting menus to accommodate passenger dietary needs and flight routes. They also participate in quality control, manage inventory, and coordinate the timing of meal preparation with flight schedules. This role involves fast-paced teamwork and constant attention to detail to ensure every meal served in-flight maintains the highest standards.

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. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of menu preparation, certifications, and the airline's policies, with some senior or specialized chefs earning higher wages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Airline Chef position, and why are they important?

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 to become an inflight chef?

To become an inflight chef, you typically need culinary training or experience in professional kitchens, along with knowledge of food safety and airline catering standards. Many airlines prefer candidates with certifications such as ServSafe and strong skills in food preparation, menu planning, and working in confined environments. Gaining experience in catering or hospitality can also improve your chances of qualifying for an inflight chef position.

What is the highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef jobs are typically executive chefs or head chefs in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private estates, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as corporate culinary directors or chefs working in the airline industry for first-class services can also command high salaries, especially with extensive experience and advanced culinary skills.

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.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Airline Chef jobs? The most popular types of Airline Chef jobs are:
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Airline Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airline Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Airline Lounges Kitchen Manager / Sous Chef

Airline Lounges Kitchen Manager / Sous Chef

Sodexo

Seatac, WA • On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 451 rated business services

Job description

Role Overview

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 Alaska Airlines Lounge at SEATAC International Airport in Seattle, WA.  We are seeking a talented individual who will commit to the challenges of creating and delivering a upscale experience within a thoughtfully designed travel oasis. The ideal candidate will have an eclectic menu knowledge and upscale experience, with a strong background in high volume catering and events execution. This is a hands-on Chef role requiring previous experience managing upscale food production. Strong line lead experience will be considered from a recognized concept as well.

This is a full time, hourly position with room to grow!  Excellent quality of life!  Benefits available day one, with 3 weeks paid vacation to start!

Must be able to pass a TSA background check and obtain an airport badge. 

What You'll Do
  • be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis and food production forecasting;
  • ensure Sodexo Culinary standards including recipe compliance and food quality are implemented;
  • have the ability and willingness to develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary policy and prodecure;
  • ensure food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standard compliance; 
  • have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems.
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.

What You Bring
  • a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay current with new culinary trends;
  • 2-3 years of KM or Sous Chef level management experience;
  • safety and sanitation expert, servsafe certified;
  • excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest of standards;
  • strong coaching and employee development skills;  
  • have a passion for food and innovation.
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 complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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