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Associate Chef Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Assists Chef de Cuisine with administrative duties, such as tracking/maintaining attendance records ... Associate degree (A.A.) in Culinary or related field, and minimum two (2) years of culinary ...

Assists Chef de Cuisine with administrative duties, such as tracking/maintaining attendance records ... Associate degree (A.A.) in Culinary or related field, and minimum two (2) years of culinary ...

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Associate Chef information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

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How much do associate chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate chef in Baton Rouge, LA is $15.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.93 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the lowest position as a chef?

The lowest position for an associate chef is typically a line cook or prep cook, responsible for basic food preparation and assisting more senior chefs. These roles often require basic culinary skills and may serve as entry points for a career in professional kitchens.

What can I do with an Associates in culinary?

An associate's degree in culinary arts prepares individuals for entry-level positions such as line cook, prep cook, or kitchen assistant in restaurants, hotels, or catering services. It also provides foundational skills for advancement to roles like sous chef or pastry chef with experience and additional training.

What are Associate Chefs?

Associate Chefs are culinary professionals who assist head chefs or executive chefs in preparing meals, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. They often handle tasks such as ingredient preparation, cooking, plating dishes, and supervising junior kitchen staff. Associate Chefs play a key role in maintaining efficient kitchen operations and may also help with menu planning and inventory management. This role is ideal for those looking to advance their culinary careers and gain valuable hands-on experience.

How much does a chef make with an associate's degree?

An associate chef with an associate's degree typically earns between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced chefs or those in high-end restaurants can earn more. Skills such as food safety and kitchen management can influence salary potential.

What are the primary ways Associate Chefs collaborate with other kitchen staff during service?

As an Associate Chef, you’ll work closely with the Executive and Sous Chefs to ensure that dishes are prepared efficiently and to the restaurant’s standards. You’ll often coordinate with line cooks, prep staff, and servers to manage the flow of orders, address any issues with ingredients or timing, and maintain a smooth service. Strong communication skills and teamwork are essential, as you may need to step in to help with plating, quality control, or training new kitchen team members. This collaborative environment is fast-paced but rewarding, offering opportunities to learn from more experienced chefs and contribute to a cohesive team.

What is the difference between Associate Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssociate ChefLine Cook
Credentials Culinary degree or equivalent experience Often no formal degree, on-the-job training
Work Environment Kitchen, often with supervisory duties Kitchen, focused on specific station
Employer Usage Restaurants, hotels, catering services Restaurants, food service establishments
Common Search Intent Roles with some responsibility, leadership Entry-level, station-specific tasks

The main difference between an Associate Chef and a Line Cook is that an Associate Chef typically has more culinary training and may take on supervisory or assistant managerial roles, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station with less responsibility. Both roles are essential in professional kitchens, but the Associate Chef often has broader responsibilities and a higher level of experience.

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

To thrive as an Associate Chef, you need a solid background in culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, multitasking, and communication skills help you excel in high-pressure environments and support the head chef effectively. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, smooth kitchen workflow, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is an associate chef?

An associate chef is a culinary professional who assists head chefs and kitchen staff in preparing and cooking food. They typically have basic cooking skills, follow recipes, and may work under supervision in restaurants or catering services. This role often requires culinary training or certification and involves tasks such as food prep, plating, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
SOUS CHEF (FULL AND PART TIME) at LSU

SOUS CHEF (FULL AND PART TIME) at LSU

Compass Group

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,074 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 449 rated business services


Job description

Location: Louisiana State University

  • We are hiring immediately for full and part-time SOUS CHEF position.
  • Address: Louisiana State University - South Stadium Dr Administrative Support Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: The schedule may vary based on operational needs. More details are available upon interview.
  • Requirement: 2 + years of prior cooking/culinary experience needed. 
  • Pay Range:  $17.00 per hour to $22.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1547088

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!

Job Summary


Summary:   Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards. Ensures all deadlines are met based on production orders.
  • Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action, as appropriate.
  • Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Ensures proper food handling, presentation, portion control and maintenance of appropriate serving temperatures.
  • Maintains sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Cleans workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to comply with all sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.
  • Interacts with customers to resolve complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Relays relevant information directly to supervisor.
  • Demonstrates complete understanding of daily menu items and accurately explains them to associates and customers.
  • Keeps up with peak production and service hours.
  • Monitors inventory and deliveries of product and supplies. Tracks product production, consumption and waste. Informs supervisor when supplies or product are low.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Benefits

We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:

  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program


In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

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 Maryland, Washington State, 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

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods.  Business needs may vary from year to year.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
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.

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

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace. 


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