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Assistant Chef Jobs in Waco, TX (NOW HIRING)

Cotton Holdings

Traveling Kitchen Staff

Waco, TX

$70K/yr

Travel Kitchen Assistants: Support our chefs and cooks with food preparation, cleaning, and other essential tasks. ($15-16/hour) Eligible for overtime. * Travel Cooks and Line Cooks: Bring your ...

Cotton

Culinary Assistant Project Manager

Hubbard, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Culinary Assistant Project Manager Department: Culinary Employment Type: Full Time Location ... Culinary training and/or certifications is a plus Experience: * 3 years Chef experience or 5 years ...

Cotton Culinary

Traveling Kitchen Staff

Waco, TX

$70K/yr

Travel Kitchen Assistants: Support our chefs and cooks with food preparation, cleaning, and other essential tasks. ($15-16/hour) Eligible for overtime. * Travel Cooks and Line Cooks: Bring your ...

Dave's Hot Chicken

Assistant Manager

Waco, TX · On-site

The co-founder, Dave, a chef trained in Thomas Keller's Bouchon restaurant organization came up ... The Assistant Manager directs employees and ensures that work is being completed in a timely and ...

Cotton

Traveling Kitchen Staff

Waco, TX · On-site

$70K/yr

Travel Kitchen Assistants: Support our chefs and cooks with food preparation, cleaning, and other essential tasks. ($15-16/hour) Eligible for overtime. * Travel Cooks and Line Cooks: Bring your ...

Dave's Hot Chicken

Assistant Manager

Waco, TX · On-site

The co-founder, Dave, a chef trained in Thomas Keller's Bouchon restaurant organization came up ... The Assistant Manager directs employees and ensures that work is being completed in a timely and ...

Invited Clubs

Cook 1

Temple, TX · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ... Due to the dynamic nature of the club, employees are expected to assist others as needed and take ...

ClubCorp

Cook 1

Temple, TX · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ... Due to the dynamic nature of the club, employees are expected to assist others as needed and take ...

Invited

Cook 1

Temple, TX

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key ... Due to the dynamic nature of the club, employees are expected to assist others as needed and take ...

Terry Black s Barbecue LLC

Prep Cook

Waco, TX · On-site

$16/hr

... * Assist in monitoring ingredient levels and communicate with the management team to ensure ... Complete tasks as assigned by the chefs. Prep Cook Requirements: * High school diploma or ...

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Assistant Chef information

See Waco, TX salary details

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$34

How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in Waco, TX is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is an assistant chef?

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.

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 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.

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 Waco, TX?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Waco, TX are:

What cities near Waco, TX are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs?

Cities near Waco, TX with the most Assistant Chef job openings:

Assistant Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in Waco, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 23% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,461 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

SOUS CHEF - BAYLOR UNIVERSITY - Waco, TX

Compass Group

Waco, TX • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Location: On Campus Dining - BAYLOR UNIVERSITY - Waco, TX

Salary:  $65,000-70,000

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

Chartwells Higher Education is hiring a SOUS CHEF to join our F&B leadership team on the campus of BAYLOR UNIVERSITY.  In this key culinary role, you will assist in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation across CAMPUS DINING and catering. This includes adhering to the client's culture and guidelines, the Health Department's regulations, and the company's standards and expectations of food quality, freshness and presentation. The Sous Chef I also motivates, trains, develops, and directs the back of house associates preparing and cooking foods to accomplish the objectives of the operation to the satisfaction of the customers, clients, and management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assists in coordinating and participating in the preparation and cooking of various food items.
  • Assists with planning and creating menus.
  • Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with the marketing and culinary team.
  • Assists with managing cost controls and controlling expenditure.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

  • 5 years of related culinary experience including 1 year at the management level.
  • Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
  • Knowledge of food and industry trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, safety, food cost controls, and presentation.
  • Ability to set up and distribute production sheets.
  • Supervisory, leadership, training, management, and coaching skills.
  • ServSafe or Department of Health Certification is preferred.
  • Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products including Excel.
  • Associate's degree in Culinary Arts is preferred. 

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsHED.pdf

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Req ID: 1563684

Chartwells HE 

SARA C ST CLAIR 

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