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Catering Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Williams College

Catering Chef

Williamstown, MA · On-site

$31 - $33/hr

We are excited to announce an opening for a full-time Catering Chef who will organize and oversee the day-to-day operations of all Faculty House meals and catering functions on campus. Pay: Pay ...

AVI Foodsystems

Catering Chef

Cleveland, OH · On-site

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic leader to immediately hire to fill the role of Catering Chef, Full-time. This position is scheduled Monday through Friday with limited ...

Uncle Giuseppe's, Inc.

Catering Chef

Greenvale, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Description Our newest location in Greenvale, NY is looking for a talented and experienced Full-Time Catering Chef to lead and elevate the catering operations of our specialty market. This dynamic ...

Uncle Giuseppe's, Inc.

Catering Chef

North Babylon, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Description Our location in North Babylon, NY is looking for a talented and experienced Full-Time Catering Chef to lead and elevate the catering operations of our specialty market. This dynamic role ...

Aramark

Catering Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $95K/yr

The Executive Catering Chef is a management position at Loyola Marymount University overseeing chef managers as well as hourly culinary staff, responsible for developing and executing culinary ...

Aramark

Catering Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Executive Catering Chef is a management position at Loyola Marymount University overseeing chef managers as well as hourly culinary staff, responsible for developing and executing culinary ...

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Catering Chef information

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$14

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How much do catering chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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, and why are they important?

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.
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Catering Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 29% 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.
Catering Chef

Catering Chef

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Mayfield Village, OH • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

AVI Foodsystems rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 165 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 66 rated caterers

Job description

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic leader to immediately hire to fill the role of Catering Chef, Full-time. This position is scheduled Monday through Friday with limited evenings required and NO weekends and NO holidays.

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Plan, organize and direct the work of cooks and other team members engaged in the procurement, storage, preparation and serving of food
  • Assist in preparation of budget estimates and justifications for the food service program
  • Plan and direct the ordering, receiving and accounting of all food products, supplies and equipment for food operation
  • Evaluate existing operational methods and procedures of food service program for effectiveness and efficiency, initiating changes as necessary
  • Interview, select, manage and develop hourly team members
  • Oversee the food safety to ensure full compliance with federal, state and other regulatory agencies
  • Participate in the development and adherence of policies and procedures for the food service program

Requirements:

  • A formal culinary degree is preferred
  • 3 or more years of food service chef/management experience
  • Prior experience leading, motivating and developing teams
  • Proven ability in meeting and maintaining budget goals
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Benefits:

  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE

What AVI Foodsystems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

AVI Foodsystems logo

About AVI Foodsystems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Warren, OH, US

Year founded

1960

Social media

Twitter

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