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Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our Catering Chef will oversee the Operations and Staff Management with responsibilities to include culinary oversite, employee training development, inventory and cost. Must be able to read, write ...

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Catering Chef

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Catering Chef plays a crucial role in preparing and delivering exceptional culinary experiences for corporate and private events. Working with a small team of 1-5 members, this chef ensures ...

New

Catering Chef

Cincinnati, OH

$70K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Catering Chef: Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment If you truly want to elevate yourself, we have an amazing opportunity with a great, High End Company! Company Overview : The Jeff Ruby Experience is ...

Catering Chef

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

This Chef will oversee all culinary operations for the new catering kitchen, leading menu execution, production planning, food quality, and event support. This individual will play a key role in ...

Catering Chef

Cincinnati, OH

$70K - $120K/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Catering Chef: Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment If you truly want to elevate yourself, we have an amazing opportunity with a great, High End Company! Company Overview : The Jeff Ruby Experience is ...

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

Catering Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Our client, an Asian fusion catering company, is seeking a Catering Chef to lead culinary execution for a high-volume, design-forward catering and events operation based in the LA area. This role is ...

Catering and Event Chef (Seasonal) Reports To: Executive Chef, Director of Events Compensation: $1500 week/$75,000 Roberta's is hiring experienced chefs who are looking to work with a small, dynamic ...

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Executive Catering Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

I am searching for a new Executive Chef for our Catering division of the Company. Kathy G. & Company manages a main off-premises kitchen space, plus two separate restaurants located at the Birmingham ...

Catering Chef

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a skilled and experienced catering chef to join our team on a part-time basis and work beside our Head Chef at The Barn at Power's. We host weddings, retirement parties, showers and ...

Chef, One Off Hospitality Catering and Events TYPE: Full Time POSITION SUMMARY: The Catering & Events Chef oversees culinary offerings for our offsite catering business that involves a robust ...

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Catering Chef

Monkton, MD · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We are seeking a talented and experienced Catering Chef to join our team in Monkton, MD. The ideal candidate will excel in both on-site and off-site catering events, primarily during weekends, with ...

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Catering Chef

Monkton, MD · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We are seeking a talented and experienced Catering Chef to join our team in Monkton, MD. The ideal candidate will excel in both on-site and off-site catering events, primarily during weekends, with ...

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Showing results 21-40

Catering Chef information

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$14

$25

$40

How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering chef in the United States is $25.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Catering Chef vs Restaurant Chef?

AspectCatering Chef
CredentialsCatering chefs typically need culinary certifications or degrees, similar to restaurant chefs.
Work EnvironmentThey work in diverse locations, including event venues, outdoor settings, and kitchens, focusing on large-scale food service.
Employer & IndustryEmployed by catering companies, event planners, or hospitality firms, serving clients for events and functions.
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for menu planning, food preparation, and event catering skills.

While both catering and restaurant chefs require culinary skills and certifications, catering chefs specialize in preparing large quantities of food for events in various locations, whereas restaurant chefs focus on daily service in a fixed restaurant setting. The roles overlap in skills but differ mainly in work environment and scope of service.

What does a catering chef do?

Catering chefs prepare food for celebrations, business functions, and other special events. In this role, you may discuss culinary options with the client, oversee all aspects of cooking the food during the event, direct waiters and other staff while they serve guests, and manage costs to ensure the entire service remains within the proposed budget. Catering chefs also oversee food storage and safe handling guidelines to minimize the risk of transmitting illnesses. Catering chefs have a variety of duties and responsibilities during each event, so flexibility and the ability to switch between roles as needed are particularly crucial to this job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a catering chef?

To thrive as a Catering Chef, you need expertise in menu planning, food preparation, culinary techniques, and usually a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is typical for this role. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and strong leadership abilities are standout soft skills. These qualifications ensure consistent food quality, efficient event execution, and customer satisfaction in a dynamic catering environment.

What does a catering chef do?

A Catering Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and presenting food for events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and parties. They design menus based on client preferences, ensure food safety standards are met, and oversee kitchen staff during food preparation and service. In addition to cooking, Catering Chefs manage inventory, coordinate with event planners, and often handle budgeting for ingredients and supplies. Their role is essential for ensuring that food served at events is both delicious and safely prepared.

What are some common challenges a catering chef faces when executing off-site events, and how can these be managed?

Catering Chefs often encounter challenges such as limited kitchen facilities, unpredictable event logistics, and the need for precise timing to ensure food quality and safety. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-event planning, creating detailed prep lists, and coordinating closely with event staff and vendors. Flexibility, strong organizational skills, and the ability to adapt menus or service styles based on the venue's capabilities are crucial for success in this role.

What cities are hiring for Catering Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Catering Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Catering Chef jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Catering Chef jobs?

The top employers for Catering Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Catering Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Catering Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Catering Chef jobs?

For Catering Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,475 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Metz Culinary Management rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Catering Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a mentoring management style creating a culture of fun, creativity and growth.
Our catering events range from small casual business lunches to amazing and extravagant black-tie events. Our Catering Chef will oversee the Operations and Staff Management with responsibilities to include culinary oversite, employee training development, inventory and cost. Must be able to read, write, use simple math, follow and give oral and written instructions.
If you have the Culinary Chops and passion for current, trending and diverse menus, and are ready to hit the ground running in a fast paced, high volume hospitality setting, we would like to hear from you! Must have solid high volume, kitchen leadership experience in preferably a multi-outlet dining services setting and a background with strong Catering experience.
Requirements:
• 3-5+Plus Years in a Supervisory role or Sous Chef
• Impeccable communication Skills
• Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with STUNNING presentation ideas
• Strong Catering Experience from casual to fine dining
• Wedding and Special Event experience
• Culinary Degree strongly preferred
Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
Metz Culinary Management is a FAMILY-DRIVEN company that collaborates with its partners to deliver RESTAURANT-INSPIRED hospitality to each and every guest.

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