1

Airport Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef - Ole Red Nashville Airport

Nashville, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef will create and execute the menu recipes defined by the Ole Red brand for the location in the Nashville International Airport. This individual will oversee the staff and details related ...

$36K - $49K/yr

OTG - Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, 4300 Glumack Dr, St Paul, Minnesota, United States of America Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 4:00 AM Job Title: S ous Chef Reports to: Chef ...

Sous Chef

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

MSP Airport Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 plus Bonus Eligibility Reports to: Chef Who We Are On the Go has elevated the dining and retail experience for travelers by bringing together world-class ...

Sous Chef

Mendota, MN · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

MSP Airport Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 plus Bonus Eligibility Reports to: Chef Who We Are On the Go has elevated the dining and retail experience for travelers by bringing together world-class ...

Sous Chef

Mendota, MN · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

MSP Airport Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 plus Bonus Eligibility Reports to: Chef Who We Are On the Go has elevated the dining and retail experience for travelers by bringing together world-class ...

Sous Chef at Elway's

Denver, CO · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

SUMMARY The Sous Chef plays a crucial role in supporting the Executive Chef in managing kitchen ... Must successfully complete required airport security and background screening, including a federal ...

Sous Chef at Elway's

Denver, CO · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

SUMMARY The Sous Chef plays a crucial role in supporting the Executive Chef in managing kitchen ... ServSafe Certified a plus WORKING ENVIRONMENT Airport: This position operates in a climate ...

Chef

Mascot, TN · On-site

$29.46 - $50.21/hr

Chef Apply now Job no: 720037 Work type: Full Time, Part Time Location: Mascot Categories: Chef ... Meals provided on shift Our Lounge teams work in some of the world's most renowned airport lounges ...

Sous Chef at Elway's

Denver, CO · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

SUMMARY The Sous Chef plays a crucial role in supporting the Executive Chef in managing kitchen ... Must successfully complete required airport security and background screening, including a federal ...

JFK Lounge Chef

NY · On-site

$90K/yr

Job Summary We are looking for a passionate and experienced Chef to join our team in a premium airport lounge environment. In this role, you will be responsible for preparing fresh, high-quality ...

JFK Lounge Chef

Jamaica, NY · On-site

$90K/mo

Proven experience as a Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume environment (airport lounge, hospitality, hotel, restaurant, or airport experience preferred) * Strong knowledge of food safety and ...

Showing results 21-40

Airport Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do airport chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an airport chef?

An Airport Chef is responsible for preparing high-quality meals for airport lounges, in-flight catering, and restaurants within the airport. They manage kitchen staff, ensure food safety standards, and create menus that cater to a diverse range of travelers. The role requires efficiency, as meals must be prepared quickly while maintaining quality. Airport Chefs often work in a fast-paced environment where they must balance high-volume production with culinary excellence.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an airport chef?

Airport Chefs are responsible for planning and preparing a high volume of meals for passengers, staff, and airport lounges, often across multiple cuisines. They oversee food safety standards, coordinate with suppliers, manage kitchen staff, and ensure menus accommodate varying schedules and dietary needs. In addition, Airport Chefs frequently collaborate with airline representatives and catering managers to meet specific branding and quality requirements. The role also involves maintaining tight timelines, as consistent food delivery is crucial due to flight schedules and traveler turnover.

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

To thrive as an Airport Chef, you need strong culinary skills, experience in high-volume food preparation, and often a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and inventory management systems is essential. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to adapt under pressure distinguish top performers in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure consistent food quality and safety while meeting the diverse and time-sensitive demands of airport dining operations.

How much do airport chefs make?

Airport chefs typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the airport. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the food service and whether the role involves supervisory responsibilities or specialized culinary skills.

How to become an airport chef?

To become an airport chef, you typically need culinary training or experience in professional kitchens, along with knowledge of food safety standards. Many airport chefs are required to have a food handler's certification and strong cooking skills, often working in fast-paced environments with flexible schedules.

What cities are hiring for Airport Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Airport Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Airport Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Airport Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Airport Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Airport Chef jobs?

For Airport Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Airport Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF - Airport Community Schools, Carleton, MI

Carleton, MI • On-site

Compass Group
Catering • 10K+ employees

$60K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

352nd of 501 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: EXECUTIVE CHEF II - Airport Community Schools, Carleton, MI 

Reports To: Director of Dining Services

Salary:  $60,000 - $68,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, dental & vision insurance, PTO, 401K 

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary

Airport Community Schools in Carleton, MI is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead culinary operations serving approximately 2,800 students across eight school buildings. Reporting to the Director of Dining Services, this role oversees menu development, food quality, staff training, and daily kitchen operations while assisting to lead and train a team of approximately 30 frontline associates. Partnering closely with district and Chartwells leadership, the Executive Chef will help create fresh, engaging dining experiences that drive student participation and satisfaction.

In addition to daily operations, the Executive Chef will oversee catering and special events, support menu innovation, train and develop staff, and help bring Chartwells signature programs such as Mood Boost, Global Eats, Student Choice, Discovery Kitchen, and Nutrition "Game On" to life. The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader who enjoys coaching teams, elevating food quality, and creating memorable dining experiences in a K-12 environment that offers excellent work-life balance with a predominantly Monday through Friday schedule.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines. 
  • Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence.
  • Establishes and maintains thorough cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
  • Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available. 
  • Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
  • Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to stay abreast of industry trends.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree highly desired or equivalent experience in culinary arts.
  • 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, with catering experience preferred.
  • Proven success in high-volume, complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
  • Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by extensive knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
  • Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
  • Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities.
  • ServSafe certification is highly desirable, highlighting a commitment to food safety.
     

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Req ID:  1564547

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

 [[req_classification]] 


What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom