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Certified Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Full-time Personal Chef

Westport, CT · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Stamford, CT · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Stamford, CT · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Stamford, CT · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Westport, CT · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Summit, NJ · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

Full-time Personal Chef

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and ... certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle. Previous experience ...

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Certified Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do certified chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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:
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.

Full-time Personal Chef

Tiny Spoon Chef

Westport, CT • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
***Currently offering a sign-on bonus of $1,000 after 90 days
Are you a culinary professional looking for more work-life balance and career growth than a typical sous chef or line cook position can offer? This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and weekends FREE.
In this role, you'll work as a personal chef for 8-9 clients per week-handling weekly grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, and kitchen clean-up. You'll have the chance to showcase your creativity in a variety of cuisines while building relationships with clients who appreciate your culinary expertise.
Beyond weekly meal prep, our chefs also:
  1. Host intimate private dining events and dinner parties
  2. Teach cooking classes as a culinary instructor
  3. Lead corporate team-building cooking workshops
  4. Support special projects such as menu design and event catering

What Makes This Role Different from Restaurant Kitchen Jobs?
Unlike traditional restaurant sous chef or line cook jobs, this position offers:
  1. Consistent, predictable Monday-Friday hours (no REGULAR late nights or weekends)
  2. Direct client interaction and creative menu freedom
  3. Opportunities to grow beyond the kitchen into events, education, and leadership

Why Work With Us?
We invest in our chefs through hands-on training, mentorship, and career development programs. If you're someone who enjoys taking initiative, building relationships, and driving growth, this role offers virtually unlimited potential.
At our company, we reward hard work, creativity, and dedication. You'll be more than just a line cook or sous chef-you'll have the opportunity to grow into a private chef, event chef, or culinary leader.
Pay: $25-28 per hour
Benefits:
  • Retirement Plan, 401k and 401k Matching
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (After 90 days of employment)
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care Account (DCA)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Profit Sharing

At our company, we value and recognize exceptional performance and dedication. As a testament to our commitment to employee growth and satisfaction, we offer a clear pathway to financial advancement. As a candidate, you can expect the opportunity for a well-deserved raise at the 1 year mark, contingent upon favorable performance evaluations. We believe in rewarding hard work, innovation, and exceeding expectations.
Qualified applicants should have a minimum of four years of line experience, a sense of urgency, people skills, attention to detail, ServSafe Manager certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle.
Previous experience/familiarity with computer/email/Google Workspaces/social media is preferred. All applicants offered a position will be subject to a background check.
Please note that we use E-Verify to electronically confirm Form I-9 information to verify employee's identity and employment eligibility.
Travel may be required during training. (TSC compensates for travel.)
A cover letter is highly encouraged.
Interview Process
15-min fit call - Video interview - Bench Test, cook a meal (Reimbursement) - Full Day Stage (Paid)
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Paid training

Schedule:
  • 8-hour shift
  • 10-hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Requirements
  • Culinary Experience: 1 year (Required)
  • Cooking: 4 years (Required)