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Apprentice Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school * Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef, design chef,) or equivalent professional experience preferred

Head Chef

Seattle, WA

$90K - $105K/yr

Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school * Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef, design chef,) or equivalent professional experience preferred

Apprentice Chef information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$13

$25

$42

How much do apprentice chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice chef in Seattle, WA is $25.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.36 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.

How to get a chef job with no experience?

To get an apprentice chef position with no experience, focus on gaining basic culinary skills through cooking classes or volunteering in kitchens. Highlight your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and any relevant certifications such as food safety training in your application. Entry-level roles often prioritize attitude and reliability over experience.

Can you get an apprenticeship as a chef?

Yes, aspiring chefs can pursue apprenticeships to gain practical experience and develop culinary skills. These programs are often offered by restaurants, hotels, and culinary schools and may require a minimum age, relevant interest, or basic food safety knowledge. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to full-time chef positions and industry certifications.

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.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Apprentice chefs can be of any age, including 27, as many programs welcome mature individuals seeking to develop culinary skills. Age is rarely a barrier, and prior experience or a strong interest in cooking can be advantageous in apprenticeship programs. Employers value dedication and a willingness to learn regardless of age.

How much do beginner chefs get paid?

Beginner chefs, such as apprentice chefs, typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location and establishment. Compensation often increases with experience, skills, and additional certifications, and many start with unpaid or low-paid positions to gain training and practical skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Chef jobs in Seattle, WA? For Apprentice Chef jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Chef jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Chef jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Chef job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,158 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Head Chef 
Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 
Work Location Type: On-Site 
Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00  per year 

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Role Purpose Statement

The Head Chef collaborates closely with the Executive Chef to ensure exceptional daily food production at our Customer Service Center (CSC). Every dish reflects authenticity, adheres to company standards, and meets both menu specifications and customer expectations.


As the Executive Chef’s trusted partner, the Head Chef also assumes full operational leadership in their absence, maintaining seamless kitchen operations and consistently high standards.

Main Accountabilities
  • Supports all food production activities in the Hot and Cold Kitchen in responsible CSC which include but not limited to the following.
  • Identifying deviations in inventories and production, initiates countermeasures if necessary
  • Supports the controls and adjust of production plans, estimates consumption of food and equipment required to execute the daily production.
  • Ensures compliance of recipe specifications and conducts sense-checks (Gold Standards)
  • Participates in the development of food products and menus as needed.
  • Must be aware of content in catering manuals; updates and distributes them within responsible CSC 
  • Supports the cost controlling of the budget, personnel and material costs
  • Participates in menu presentations internal and external
  • The coordination and controls countermeasures in the production in case of customer complaints
  • Helps to develop and support existing training strategy and training plans for kitchen staff in responsible CSC
  • Represents kitchen and kitchen staff in front of external stakeholders
  • Actively researches and incorporates industry innovations and emerging food trends, ensuring continuous alignment and collaboration with Design Chefs.
  • Participates in marketing activities as needed
  • Ensures quality of goods received
  • Guarantees tidiness in food storage in the responsible CSC is maintained and first in - first out principle is followed
  • Guarantees adherence to hygiene, health and safety standards and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations in responsible CSC 
  • Ensure that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed and directed
  • Guide, motivate and develop the subordinate employees within the Human Resources Policy
  • Make the company's values and management principles live in the department(s)
  • Implement and control the cost budget in the area of responsibility; initiate and steer corrective actions in case of deviations
  • Participate and support company sponsored initiatives such as Global Quality Standard (GQS), HACCP, Lean Manufacturing
     
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Five years of experience in commercial cooking.
  • Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school
  • Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef, design chef,) or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Certification with the American Culinary Federation a plus
  • Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (example: HACCP)
  • Good communication and organizational skills
  • Service orientation
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications 
     

LSG Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.