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Army Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Springfield, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

S. Army (Entry-Level, No Experience Needed) Full-time | Part-time | Paid Training | U.S ... Cook and prepare meals alongside chefs. * Serve meals in various environments, including field ...

Chef

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

S. Army (Entry-Level, No Experience Needed) Full-time | Part-time | Paid Training | U.S ... Cook and prepare meals alongside chefs. * Serve meals in various environments, including field ...

Chef

Portsmouth, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

S. Army (Entry-Level, No Experience Needed). Full-time | Part-time | Paid Training | U.S ... Cook and prepare meals alongside chefs. * Serve meals in various environments, including field ...

Chef

Middletown, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

S. Army (Entry-Level, No Experience Needed) Full-time | Part-time | Paid Training | U.S ... Cook and prepare meals alongside chefs. * Serve meals in various environments, including field ...

Chef

Huber Heights, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

S. Army (Entry-Level, No Experience Needed) Full-time | Part-time | Paid Training | U.S ... Cook and prepare meals alongside chefs. * Serve meals in various environments, including field ...

Chef

Athens, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

S. Army (Entry-Level, No Experience Needed) Full-time | Part-time | Paid Training | U.S ... Cook and prepare meals alongside chefs. * Serve meals in various environments, including field ...

Sous Chef

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

The Salvation Army - Owens Campus Status: Fulltime MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an ... The Salvation Army Owens Campus is looking to fill a Sous Chef position. The qualified candidate ...

Sous Chef

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$20/hr

The Salvation Army - Owens Campus Status: Fulltime MISSION STATEMENT The Salvation Army, an ... The Salvation Army Owens Campus is looking to fill a Sous Chef position. The qualified candidate ...

Chef

Hamilton, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

THIS JOB REQUIRES ENLISTMENT INTO THE UNITED STATES ARMY. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major ...

Chef

Lockland, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

THIS JOB REQUIRES ENLISTMENT INTO THE UNITED STATES ARMY NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED Overview: As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to any major ...

Chef

Oxford, OH · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

ENLISTMENT REQUIRED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY No Experience Needed Overview: Prepare meals alongside chefs to provide quality food for Soldiers in the field and at home stations. Manage food supplies ...

Sous Chef

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for the direct execution of daily food production, ensuring that all culinary activities align with Army Regulation 40-657 and TB MED 530. This role bridges the gap ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Boston, MA · On-site

$38K - $51K/yr

As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to ... Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam, and sauté as prescribed by Army recipes. * Operate ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Brockton, MA · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to ... Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam, and sauté as prescribed by Army recipes. * Operate ...

Culinary Specialist - Army

Bangor, ME · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

As a Culinary Specialist, you'll cook meals and work alongside chefs to prepare meals comparable to ... Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam, and sauté as prescribed by Army recipes. * Operate ...

Sous Chef-Ex

Oak Grove, KY · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

... Army post, Ft. Campbell. The Property is 10 miles from Clarksville, TN and less than 60 miles ... The Sous Chef contributes to the success of the Food & Beverage department by directing and guiding ...

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Army Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do army chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for army 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 are Army Chefs?

Army Chefs are culinary specialists who prepare and cook meals for soldiers and personnel in the military. They work in a variety of settings, including field kitchens, dining facilities, and during deployments. Their duties include planning menus, ordering supplies, ensuring food safety, and providing nutritious meals to support the health and morale of troops. Army Chefs receive specialized training to meet the unique demands of military service, often working under challenging conditions. Their role is vital in maintaining the well-being and readiness of the armed forces.

Does the military hire chefs?

Yes, the military employs chefs to prepare meals for service members. Military chefs typically need culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and may require specific certifications or training. They work in military dining facilities and follow strict nutritional and safety standards.

How to be a chef for the Army?

To become an Army chef, you must enlist in the military and complete basic training, then attend the Army Culinary Arts School or similar training programs. The role requires cooking skills, knowledge of food safety, and the ability to work in a military environment, often with certifications like ServSafe or equivalent preferred.

What are some unique challenges Army Chefs face compared to civilian chefs?

Army Chefs often work in environments where resources, time, and equipment may be limited, such as field kitchens or remote bases. They need to prepare nutritious and high-volume meals under strict schedules, sometimes in challenging weather or combat conditions. Collaboration with fellow chefs and support staff is essential to ensure food safety and meet the dietary needs of soldiers. Adaptability and strong organizational skills are crucial for overcoming these unique challenges and maintaining morale through quality meals.

What is the difference between Army Chef vs Marine Corps Cook?

AspectArmy ChefMarine Corps Cook
CertificationsBasic culinary training, military food service certificationBasic culinary training, military food service certification
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, field kitchens, dining facilitiesMilitary bases, field kitchens, dining facilities
Employer & IndustryU.S. Army, military food serviceU.S. Marine Corps, military food service

Both Army Chefs and Marine Corps Cooks require similar culinary training and serve in military dining facilities. The main differences lie in their branch affiliation and specific deployment environments. Both roles focus on preparing nutritious meals for service members in various settings, making their skills highly transferable within military food service.

How much do Army chefs make?

Army chefs, also known as culinary specialists, typically earn a base salary that ranges from approximately $25,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on rank and experience. They may also receive additional benefits such as housing allowances, healthcare, and retirement plans, with opportunities for advancement and specialized training.

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

To thrive as an Army Chef, you need formal culinary training, food safety certification, and the ability to prepare nutritious meals in large quantities under strict standards. Familiarity with military kitchen equipment, inventory systems, and adherence to hygiene protocols are essential. Strong organization, teamwork, and adaptability under pressure help Army Chefs excel in challenging environments. These skills ensure the efficient delivery of safe, high-quality meals that support the health and morale of military personnel.

Can you join the Army as a chef?

Yes, the Army recruits qualified individuals to serve as Army chefs, also known as culinary specialists. Candidates typically need to meet age, education, and physical fitness requirements, and complete basic training before specializing in food service roles within the military.
More about Army Chef jobs
What states have the most Army Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Army Chef jobs include:
Infographic showing various Army Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Chef

Chef

U.S. Army

Springfield, OH • On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 486 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Culinary Specialist – U.S. Army (Entry-Level, No Experience Needed)

Full-time | Part-time | Paid Training | U.S. Citizenship or Green Card Required.
The U.S. Army is hiring Culinary Specialists to prepare and serve meals comparable to major restaurants, ensuring Soldiers enjoy hot meals during training and deployments. You’ll prepare food both in the field and at home stations, manage food supplies, and maintain kitchen safety and sanitation. No prior experience required.
What You'll Do:
  • Cook and prepare meals alongside chefs.
  • Serve meals in various environments, including field conditions.
  • Order and inspect food supplies.
  • Maintain kitchen safety and sanitation standards.
Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder (I-551).
  • Ages 17–34.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • No felonies or open legal cases.
  • Pass drug screening and criminal background check.
  • Good physical health with no limitations.
What We Offer:
  • Pay: $40,000–$80,000 per year.
  • Bonuses: Up to $40,000 for in-demand roles.
  • Benefits: Housing, medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid vacation, flexible schedule, parental leave.
  • Education: Full tuition, scholarships, book and fee allowances, living stipends.
  • Career Growth: Professional development, tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance.
Job Details:
  • Job Types: Full-time, Part-time.
  • Location: Nationwide.
  • Work Remotely: No.
  • Schedule: Flexible/Varies.
Work Authorization:
  • United States (Required).
Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (Required).
Apply now to start your career as a Culinary Specialist with the U.S. Army and gain valuable culinary, leadership, and operational skills.

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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