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Assistant Chef Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lindblad Expeditions

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA

$190 - $200/day

ABOUT THE ROLE Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker -- a true dual role. You'll work alongside the galley team to prepare fresh meals for guests and crew, while owning the onboard baking ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA

$190 - $200/day

ABOUT THE ROLE Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker - a true dual role. You'll work alongside the galley team to prepare fresh meals for guests and crew, while owning the onboard baking ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$190 - $200/day

ABOUT THE ROLE Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker - a true dual role. You'll work alongside the galley team to prepare fresh meals for guests and crew, while owning the onboard baking ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

Assists the Head Chef and/or Assistant Chef in preparing food items as directed. * Assists the Head Chef in supervising and training the galley steward. Galley Cleaning * Cleans countertops, working ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$155 - $165/day

Assists the Head Chef and/or Assistant Chef in preparing food items as directed. * Assists the Head Chef in supervising and training the galley steward. Galley Cleaning * Cleans countertops, working ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA

$18.25 - $22/hr

Assists the Head Chef and/or Assistant Chef in preparing food items as directed. * Assists the Head Chef in supervising and training the galley steward. Galley Cleaning * Cleans countertops, working ...

P.F. Chang's

Assistant Executive Chef

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$72K - $92K/yr

The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily restaurant culinary and food service operations to ensure high operating standards and reports directly ...

PF Changs

Assistant Executive Chef

Lynnwood, WA

$25.35 - $32.34/hr

The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily restaurant culinary and food service operations to ensure high operating standards and reports directly ...

PF Changs

Assistant Executive Chef

Lynnwood, WA

$72K - $92K/yr

The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily restaurant culinary and food service operations to ensure high operating standards and reports directly ...

Sustainable Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Ensure food is prepared, cooked, and executed under company standards with responsibility for food inventory. * Assist the Chef team to properly maintain ordering, inventory, quality control, and ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$27/hr

The Sous Chef will help maintain high culinary standards while supporting residential dining ... Monitor food preparation, portioning, and service to maintain quality and cost control. * Assist ...

Restaurant Associates

SOUS CHEF

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing ... Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA

$80K - $82K/yr

You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing ... Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing ... Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Seattle, WA

$80K - $82K/yr

You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing ... Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing ... Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing ... Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Seattle, WA

$80K - $82K/yr

You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing ... Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account

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All JobsChef JobsAssistant Chef JobsAssistant Chef Jobs in Renton, WA

Assistant Chef information

See Renton, WA salary details

$10

$23

$43

How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in Renton, WA is $23.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are assistant chefs called?

Assistant chefs are commonly referred to as sous chefs or kitchen assistants. They support head chefs by preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and following recipes, often requiring culinary training or certifications. These roles are essential for smooth kitchen operations and may involve working in fast-paced environments with specific safety standards.

How does an Assistant Chef typically collaborate with the Head Chef and other kitchen staff during service?

As an Assistant Chef, you play a vital role in supporting the Head Chef by preparing ingredients, ensuring stations are well-stocked, and executing dishes according to established recipes and quality standards. Collaboration is constant—clear communication with the Head Chef and other cooks helps maintain a smooth workflow, especially during busy service hours. You may also assist in training junior staff and step in to manage specific sections of the kitchen when needed, making adaptability and teamwork essential traits for success in this role.

What Does a Chef Assistant Do?

A chef assistant provides support for the head chef of a restaurant, bakery, catering business, or cafeteria. As a chef assistant, your job duties include managing inventory, ensuring that the kitchen meets food safety and cleanliness standards, and helping kitchen staff with food preparation. The qualifications for a career as a chef assistant vary by employer, but typically include training from a culinary school, proven cooking skills, and experience working in a kitchen. You need strong teamwork abilities and a willingness to work a flexible schedule.

What are Assistant Chefs?

Assistant Chefs, also known as commis chefs or junior chefs, support the head chef and sous chef in a professional kitchen. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, cooking basic dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and helping with inventory management. They play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth workflow and may also assist in plating dishes and learning advanced culinary techniques. This position is often an entry-level role for those pursuing a culinary career, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

Assistant chefs can start their culinary careers at any age, including 35, as many chefs begin training or apprenticeships later in life. Success depends on dedication, gaining relevant skills, and obtaining certifications such as culinary diplomas or food safety licenses. Age is not a barrier to entering the culinary field or advancing as a chef.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and experience in a kitchen environment, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food hygiene certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that help in supporting the head chef and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining food quality, efficiency, and safety in a fast-paced culinary setting.

Is assistant chef a stressful job?

Assistant chefs often work in fast-paced kitchen environments that can be physically demanding and require long hours, especially during busy service times. The role involves multitasking, attention to detail, and teamwork, which can contribute to stress levels, but experience and good time management can help manage these pressures.

What does an assistant chef do?

An assistant chef supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. They often handle tasks such as chopping, measuring, and organizing supplies, and may assist with plating and presentation. This role requires good communication skills and knowledge of food safety standards.

What is the lowest position as a chef?

The lowest position in a professional kitchen is typically that of a line cook or prep cook, responsible for basic food preparation and assisting higher-level chefs. Entry-level roles often require basic culinary skills and may involve working under supervision in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Assistant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varyBasic culinary skills, often no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists head chef, supports kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Assistant Chef typically supports the head chef and handles a variety of kitchen tasks, often with some formal training. Line Cooks focus on preparing specific dishes during service, usually with less supervision. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but Assistant Chefs often have broader responsibilities and may oversee Line Cooks.

More about Assistant Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Renton, WA are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Assistant Chef job openings:
Assistant Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in Renton, WA as of July 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 $48,731 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Assistant Chef

Assistant Chef

Lindblad Expeditions

Seattle, WA

$190 - $200/day

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker — a true dual role. You'll work alongside the galley team to prepare fresh meals for guests and crew, while owning the onboard baking: breads, desserts, cookies, and more, made from scratch each day. Beyond baking, you'll handle prep, load stores and provisions, keep the galley clean, and manage dishwashing — the full rhythm of a working expedition kitchen.
 
Candidates must be genuinely prepared for sustained physical demand in a remote, at-sea environment before applying.
 
WORK SCHEDULE
Chefs work an average of 12 hours per day, every day, with no days off throughout your 8-week rotation onboard. 
 
LIVING CONDITIONS 
Crew quarters are compact and shared — you will bunk with one or two roommates for the full duration of your rotation, with minimal personal space. The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell service and internet may be unavailable for extended periods. You must bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications, as refills cannot be obtained while underway.
 
This lifestyle suits people who are adaptable, self-sufficient, and genuinely energized by close-knit team environments and remote travel. If those conditions sound like a challenge rather than an adventure, this may not be the right fit.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
This is a physically demanding role performed in a moving marine environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb steep interior stairs repeatedly throughout a 12-hour shift — including during periods of significant vessel motion. The employee must regularly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Work rotates continuously across cabin cleaning, dishwashing, laundry, and food service, often without extended breaks. Work is performed in confined spaces and high-humidity environments including the galley.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Food Preparation

Culinary

  • Assists the Head Chef in preparing all guest and crew meals in accordance with Company menu matrix and recipes.
  • Cooks and prepares food as a member of the galley staff, with primary responsibility for baking breads and desserts, executing breakfast, and completing other prep as directed by the Head Chef.
  • Supports the Head Chef in training and developing Pantry Chefs, fellow Assistant Chefs, and galley stewards in line with Company policies and menus.
Cleaning
  • Helps maintain the cleanliness of the galley and food storage areas.
  • Adheres to all CDC Vessel Sanitation Program and Health Canada requirements.
  • Assists with dishwashing as needed or assigned.
Food Stores
  • Assists in loading, handling, and properly storing food and related items to maintain appropriate stocking levels and ensure correct rotation of perishable and non-perishable goods.
Safety & Security
  • Participates in onboard safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies.
  • Adheres to the Company's uniform policy to uphold its image, safety, and standards.
  • Participates in shoreside training as required by the Company.
  • Maintains familiarity with ISM codes and requirements.
  • Understands all duties under the Company Safety Management System and Emergency Station Billet.
 
DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 2 years restaurant or banquet cooking in positions of increasing responsibility, including line cooking and prep work.
  • Some baking experience — you don't need to be a trained pastry chef, just comfortable working with breads, desserts, and the like.
  • Good time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to get along with co-workers and support a team environment.
  • Experience with passenger vessels preferred.
Licenses/Certificates
  • USCG Medical Certificate — required
  • First Aid/CPR certification (current) — required
  • STCW Crowd Management — required
  • Maritime Security Awareness — required
  • STCW Basic Safety Training — preferred
  • Vessel Sanitation Public Health — preferred

Don't have all the required certifications yet? No problem — we'll help you obtain them during onboarding.

Target base salary for this role is $190–$200 per day, depending on experience and vessel. This reflects your total daily minimum compensation, broken down as:

  • $140–$150 base daily rate
  • $50 guaranteed daily tip

Any gratuities you earn beyond the $50 guarantee are yours to keep.

 
Our Benefits
Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  
Room and board when scheduled
Travel Day Pay
Travel Expenses Paid
Travel benefits for employees and their family  
Uniforms Provided
Training Opportunities

Employment is contingent on the following:
- In compliance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, 46 CFR Parts 4, 5, and 16, you will be required to undergo the following drug tests: post-offer prior to start date, random, reasonable cause, and serious marine incident per US Federal guidelines.
- Pre-offer background check; employment is contingent upon the results of this screening.
- Post-offer physical examination; your employment is dependent upon being determined fit for sea duty. 
Continued employment is dependent upon consent to and passing these tests.

Lindblad Expeditions continues to highly recommend that all new hires be up to date with all vaccines prior to the first day of employment and getting boosted annually when eligible, including those vaccines that protect against COVID-19. All crew must still comply with all country-specific vaccination requirements.

Communication Skills 
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The physical demands per position are described in the Job Analysis sheet and are available to all applicants upon request.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.