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American Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

Great American Restaurants

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

Great American Restaurants has been voted Top Workplaces by the Washington Post 6 years in a row ... With all this exciting growth, we are seeking an Executive Chef to join our growing team! Are you ...

Great American Restaurants

Executive Chef

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Great American Restaurants has been voted Top Workplaces by the Washington Post 6 years in a row ... With all this exciting growth, we are seeking an Executive Chef to join our growing team! Are you ...

Great American Restaurants

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

Great American Restaurants has been voted Top Workplaces by the Washington Post 6 years in a row ... With all this exciting growth, we are seeking an Executive Chef to join our growing team! Are you ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

Maggiano's Little Italy

Sous Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Description Sous Chef - Maggiano's Little Italy Why Maggiano's? At Maggiano's, we believe great ... Our scratch-made Italian-American classics and warm, family-style hospitality have made us a ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and ...

American Food & Vending

Chef Manager

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

A Chef Manager with American Dining Creations will oversee all culinary and service operations for an assigned account location. This position will be the company representative of American Dining ...

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American Dining Creations

Chef Manager

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A Chef Manager with American Dining Creations will oversee all culinary and service operations for an assigned account location. This position will be the company representative of American Dining ...

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American Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do american chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for american 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 American chef do?

An American Chef is a culinary professional who specializes in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes that reflect American cuisine. Their responsibilities often include designing menus, sourcing ingredients, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food safety standards are met. American Chefs may work in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments and often put their own unique spin on regional or traditional American dishes. They also stay updated on culinary trends and may be involved in food presentation and customer service.

How does an American chef typically collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure a smooth dining service?

An American Chef works closely with sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen assistants to coordinate food preparation and ensure dishes are ready in a timely manner. Effective communication is key, as chefs must delegate tasks, manage timing for multiple orders, and uphold quality standards throughout the shift. Regular meetings or pre-service briefings help align the team on menu changes or special requests. Collaboration with front-of-house staff is also important to address customer feedback and maintain a positive dining experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an American chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an American Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, a strong understanding of food safety, and often a degree from a culinary school or equivalent kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, leadership, and effective communication are vital soft skills for menu development and managing kitchen staff. These competencies ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between American Chef vs Executive Chef?

AspectAmerican ChefExecutive Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesSame as American Chef, plus management experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, cateringKitchen leadership, overseeing culinary operations
Industry UsageLine cooks, sous chefs, culinary staffHead of kitchen, managerial role
Search & ComparisonOften searched by aspiring cooks and culinary studentsCompared for leadership and management roles

The American Chef typically refers to a skilled cook working in various culinary settings, focusing on cooking techniques and food preparation. The Executive Chef, on the other hand, is a managerial role overseeing kitchen operations, staff, and menu planning. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, the Executive Chef has additional leadership responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the culinary industry.

How much do American chefs get paid?

American chefs' salaries vary based on experience, location, and establishment type, but the median annual wage is around $50,000. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn significantly more, often exceeding $70,000 annually.

Is 25 too late to become an American chef?

Becoming an American chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success depends on gaining culinary skills, experience, and possibly obtaining certifications like culinary degrees or apprenticeships, regardless of age.

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

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

What job categories do people searching American Chef jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for American Chef jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for American Chef jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most American Chef job openings:

American Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various American Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,786 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Pastry Chef

American Cruise Lines

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Pastry Chef
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America's rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.
The Pastry Chef should have the culinary expertise and experience to make a wide variety of desserts and baked goods, including confectionary work. They must be able to understand and appreciate the subtleties of flavor pairings and different tastes, as well as have a good aesthetic sense for food and pastry presentation. This position is responsible for adhering to the daily menu matrix consisting of desserts, pastries, breads and other duties assigned by the Executive Chef. The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While living onboard, our chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel each day.
  • Prepare and serve items in accordance with established procedures, recipes, portion size, and presentation standards.
  • Set-up, maintain, and breaks down station according to FDA Standards.
  • Taste all products produced to assess quality.
  • Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues.
  • Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and food prepared.
  • Schedule the production of all baked goods.
  • Always maintain an inventory of fresh baked goods.
  • Use food production equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
  • Ensure that each guest has a positive and memorable experience.

Qualifications:
  • An Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production.
  • Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food & beverage knowledge.
  • Problem solving skills, organization skills, and self-motivation.
  • Commitment to quality service.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must complete a criminal background check.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6-8 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to adapt and adjust daily to last-minute requests or changes.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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