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Certified Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UHS

CHEF - SOUS (FULL TIME)

Denison, TX · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Advanced resources such as certified trauma care support TMC's role as a regional specialty center ... Certified Chef preferred. Current valid driver's license. Ability to read and write English.

UHS

CHEF - SOUS (FULL TIME)

Denison, TX

$42K - $57K/yr

Advanced resources such as certified trauma care support TMC's role as a regional specialty center ... Certified Chef preferred. Current valid driver's license. Ability to read and write English.

Lansdowne Resort

Chef de Cuisine

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Food Safety Certification required. Preferred * Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field. * Certified Chef de Cuisine (CdC) or equivalent ...

Potawatomi Casino Hotel

Executive Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI

$64K - $81K/yr

American Culinary Federation certification at the Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) level preferred. * The ability to successfully achieve ServSafe certification within 90 days. * Office skills must ...

J.F. Shea Family of Companies

$25 - $26/hr

American Culinary Federation certification of Certified Chef de Cuisine or higher is preferred. * Current Food Handlers Card. * Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office ...

UHS

CHEF - SOUS (FULL TIME)

Denison, TX · On-site

$42K - $57K/yr

Advanced resources such as certified trauma care support TMC's role as a regional specialty center ... Certified Chef preferred. Current valid driver's license. Ability to read and write English.

J.F. Shea Family of Companies

$60K - $65K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Chef de Cuisine is a member of the Kitchen Management Team, and is ... Provide ongoing development for team members; assist in obtaining BSGR culinary certifications in ...

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Certified Chef information

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How much do certified chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is ACF certification worth it?

For a certified chef, obtaining ACF (American Culinary Federation) certification can enhance professional credibility, demonstrate advanced skills, and potentially lead to higher-paying positions. It requires passing practical exams and maintaining ongoing education, making it a valuable credential for career advancement in the culinary industry.

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

To thrive as a Certified Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, a deep understanding of food safety, and formal training or certification from a recognized culinary institution. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, time management, and strong leadership are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure consistently high-quality food, safe kitchen operations, and effective team management in a demanding culinary environment.

What are Certified Chefs?

Certified Chefs are culinary professionals who have earned formal certification from a recognized culinary institution or governing body, such as the American Culinary Federation (ACF). This certification demonstrates their expertise, skill level, and commitment to high culinary standards. Certified Chefs often have to pass written and practical exams, as well as meet specific education and experience requirements. Achieving certification can improve job prospects, validate professional skills, and enhance reputation in the culinary industry.

What is the highest paying chef job?

The highest paying chef jobs are executive chefs or head chefs in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn even higher compensation, especially in major metropolitan areas or for celebrity chefs. These positions typically require strong leadership skills, culinary expertise, and management experience.

What is the difference between Certified Chef vs Professional Cook?

AspectCertified ChefProfessional Cook
CredentialsCertification from culinary institutes or associationsExperience-based, may have culinary training but no formal certification
Work EnvironmentFine dining, hotels, culinary competitionsRestaurants, catering, institutional kitchens
Industry UsageRecognized credential for advanced rolesGeneral kitchen staff or line cooks

The main difference between a Certified Chef and a Professional Cook lies in credentials and recognition. Certified Chefs have formal certifications that often lead to higher-level positions and specialized opportunities, while Professional Cooks typically gain skills through experience. Both roles work in similar environments, but certification can enhance career prospects for Certified Chefs.

What type of chef gets paid the most?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among culinary professionals, often due to their leadership responsibilities and extensive experience. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or culinary directors can also command high pay, especially in upscale restaurants or hotel chains. Salary levels depend on location, establishment size, and individual expertise.

How much does a certified chef make in the US?

A certified chef in the US typically earns between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of establishment. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or certifications tend to earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 per year.

What are some common challenges Certified Chefs face when managing kitchen staff, and how can they be overcome?

Certified Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining effective communication, ensuring consistency in food quality, and managing diverse personalities within the kitchen team. Overcoming these challenges typically involves clear delegation, regular staff training, and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. Successful chefs also lead by example and encourage open feedback, which helps the team stay motivated and aligned with the restaurant’s standards.
What cities are hiring for Certified Chef jobs? Cities with the most Certified Chef job openings:
What states have the most Certified Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Certified Chef jobs include:
Certified Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Certified Chef

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

Clarksburg, WV

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Responsible for supporting daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, production scheduling, and maintaining quality and consistency of meals in accordance with Southern Foodservice Management standards. Assists with supervising kitchen staff, ensuring proper food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety compliance, and supporting inventory and ordering needs. Maintains a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen while ensuring timely service and adherence to ServSafe, HACCP, and OSHA standards. Works collaboratively with management and team members to deliver high-quality meals and a positive guest experience in a team-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for proper preparation of meals with correct quantities and quality on shift and according to SFM standards.
  • Helps supervise kitchen staff, assign duties and menu preparation items to each.
  • Maintains order, structure and professionalism of work environment.
  • Responsible for ensuring food safety standards per ServSafe and HACCP program is adhered to as it pertains to kitchen.
  • Responsible for ensuring that company employee safety procedures and standards and OSHA standards are being met throughout facility.
  • Maintain progressive cooking techniques throughout the meal to ensure food served is fresh throughout meal period.
  • Responsible for the quality of food prepared.
  • Accurately determines subsistence requirements.
  • Prepares the production schedule with correct quantities and make necessary menu adjustments.
  • Ensures company cleanliness standards of kitchen on shift and proper post production clean-up and cleaning schedule completion of assigned items.

Southern Foodservice Management's Culture
We have a philosophy for each and every one on our service team to give something extra. A Southern Foodservice Management employee:
  • Exhibits a positive, friendly and respectful attitude towards, Supervisors, guests and other team members.
  • Arrives to work on time and in correct uniform, clean shoes, clean and pressed black pants and shirt, apron, name tag, and a SMILE.
  • Understands job duties and responsibilities, as well as having an eagerness to learn more and develop new skills.
  • Promotes a fun and efficient professional work environment, focusing on guest satisfaction.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assist Manager with grocery orders and inventory.
  • Preparation of food products should be according to the daily menu's recipes, tasted for good quality / texture, not to be over salted, and properly cooked.
  • Maintain Production Schedules as required. Food must be prepared and ready at prescribed timelines.
  • Preparation of required meal items according to the daily menu and other required items.
  • Check and record menu item temperatures for required ranges.
  • Ensure menu items are properly cooked to proper internal temperatures and set out products for no sooner than 30 minutes and no later than 15 minutes before the meal service.
  • Replenish food items on serving lines required during service.
  • Greet and care for our customers while working on the serving lines.
  • Monitoring serving lines during meal periods.
  • Break down service areas after the meal period ends.
  • Ensure all areas of the kitchen, food storage and serving areas are properly cleaned after meal period to include prep tables, floors, walls, service lines, and food service equipment.
  • All staff members are also responsible for other duties or tasks that are assigned by the Assistant Managers or Supervisors, as a part of any "Job" or "Position" assigned during a normal work schedule. Team members may be assigned to support the meal production, service and cleaning after the meal or the dining facility.

Requirements
Physical Requirements
  • Strength: Lift up to 40lbs
  • Posture: Standing 80%, Walking 20%
  • Movement of objects: Frequent
  • Heavy lifting, Heavy Carrying, Pushing, Pulling
  • Climbing or Balancing: Occasional
  • Stooping: Occasional
  • Reaching: Frequent
  • Handling: Frequent
  • Talking/Hearing: Frequent
  • Seeing: Frequent
  • Temperature Variation: Frequent

#INDSJ
Salary Description
$60,000 - $65,000

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