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Apprentice Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Sous Chef Reports to: Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef Job Summary: Serve as "third-in ... Culinary School Graduate, Apprentice Program Graduate or any combination of education and ...

Sous Chef - Soho House Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

At Soho House a Sous Chef is motivated to positively influence the kitchen team to follow the ... Empowering the Soho House Community to make positive change, through mentoring, apprenticeship ...

Sous Chef - Soho House Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

At Soho House a Sous Chef is motivated to positively influence the kitchen team to follow the ... Empowering the Soho House Community to make positive change, through mentoring, apprenticeship ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL

$73K - $101K/yr

Familiarizes newly hired chefs and cooks with practices of kitchen and oversees training of cook apprentices * Establishes and enforces nutrition and sanitation standards for restaurant * Achieves ...

Sushi Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.33/hr

... Chef. As a key member of the brigade, you will be responsible for receiving, inspecting, and ... Culinary degree, formal sushi apprenticeship, or equivalent professional training preferred ...

COOK 2 - Part Time

Elgin, IL · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

Responsible for accuracy of line in absence of Sous Chefs. * Other duties as assigned Qualifications * Apprenticeship at a technical school in culinary Arts preferred. * 1-3 years related experience ...

COOK 2 - Part Time

Elgin, IL · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

Apprenticeship at a technical school in culinary Arts preferred. * 1-3 years related experience and ... Responsible for accuracy of line in absence of Sous Chefs. * Other duties as assigned

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Apprentice Chef information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do apprentice chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice chef in Chicago, IL is $22.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Apprentice Chef job?

An Apprentice Chef is a trainee cook who learns culinary skills through hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen hygiene while gaining knowledge of techniques and recipes. This role is typically part of a structured training program, such as an apprenticeship or culinary school placement. It provides foundational skills needed for a career as a professional chef.

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

To thrive as an Apprentice Chef, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a willingness to learn, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food hygiene regulations, and, in some cases, certifications like ServSafe is beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you integrate smoothly into a fast-paced kitchen environment. These skills ensure you can contribute effectively to the culinary team while developing your technical abilities for future advancement.

What does a typical day look like for an Apprentice Chef?

As an Apprentice Chef, your day typically involves assisting senior chefs with ingredient preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, learning cooking techniques, and helping with plating and service. You may rotate between different kitchen stations and tasks, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of mentors. The work environment is usually fast-paced and collaborative, with opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. Over time, you’ll take on more responsibilities as you demonstrate reliability and skill, which helps pave the way for career progression in the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Chef jobs in Chicago, IL? For Apprentice Chef jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Chef jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Chef job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,224 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Sous Chef

$65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Sous Chef

Reports to: Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef

Job Summary: Serve as “third-in-command” of the kitchen: assist the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in supervising food production for all food outlets, banquet events and other functions at the club. Supervise food production personnel, assist with food production tasks as needed and assure that quality and cost standards are consistently attained. Sous Chef will also have the responsibility of supervising the Stewarding Staff with assistance from the Chef’s Office.

Essential Functions:
  • Directly supervises kitchen staff responsible for the daily preparation of soups, sauces and “specials” to ensure that methods of cooking, garnishing and portion sizes are as prescribed by standardized recipes
  • Assists the Executive Chef / Executive Sous Chef with preparing the kitchen for monthly inventories with having all areas organized for counting.
  • Assumes complete charge of the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef/Executive Sous Chef
  • Assists Executive Chef/Executive Sous Chef with supervision and training of employees, sanitation and safety, menu planning and related production activities
  • Consistently maintains standards of quality, cost, eye appeal and flavor of foods
  • Ensures and assists with proper staffing for maximum productivity and high standards of quality; controls food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability
  • Makes recommendations for maintenance, repair and upkeep of the kitchen and its equipment
  • Personally works in any station as assigned by the Executive Chef/Executive Sous Chef
  • Helps plan energy conservation procedures in the kitchen
  • Assists in the development of training and the provision of professional development opportunities for all kitchen staff.
  • Assists in maintaining security of kitchen including equipment. food and supply inventories
  • Assists in food procurement, delivery, storage and issuing of food items
  • Expedites food orders during peak service hours
  • Supervises, trains and evaluates kitchen personnel
  • Coordinates buffet presentations
  • Checks mise en place before service time and inspects presentation of food items to insure that quality standards are met
  • Reports all member/guest complaints to the Chef’s Office and assists in resolving complaints
  • Submits ideas for future goals, operational improvements, and personnel management to Executive Chef
  • Supervises and trains all stewarding staff and reporting any issues that need repair or correction
  • Follows up on cleanliness of the kitchens and details that must be addressed by staff
  • Reports inventory needs for CGS and does a twice a year inventory to anticipate needs.
  • Education: Culinary School Graduate, Apprentice Program Graduate or any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or any other combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities.

    Experience: 5 to 7 years experience in fine dining restaurant or hotel.

    Additional Skills: Supervisory experience, good organization, and communication skills are required.

    Licenses and Certificates: City of Chicago Food Sanitation Certificate, Allergen Awareness Certificate.