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Chef For Hire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef 2

Atherton, CA · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Our Executive Chef will primarily be responsible for Resident dining but may also help with ... upon hire. What You Bring * a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay ...

Executive Chef 2

Durham, NC · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

Role Overview The Executive Sous Chef for Sodexo's Good Eating Company (GEC) in Durham, NC supports ... upon hire. What You Bring * Culinary Expertise - Deep knowledge of scratch cooking, seasonal ...

Executive Chef 2

Atherton, CA · On-site

$86K - $119K/yr

Our Executive Chef will primarily be responsible for Resident dining but may also help with ... upon hire. What You Bring * a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay ...

Area Executive Chef

Redmond, WA

$80K - $110K/yr

Sodexo is hiring an Area Executive Chef for the Lake Washington school district in Seattle ... hire. What You Bring * a minimum of 5 years' experience as a culinary lead working in multi-site ...

Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef for Menlo College located in Atherton, California . Our ... upon hire. What You Bring: * a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay ...

Executive Chef 2

Durham, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Role Overview The Executive Sous Chef for Sodexo's Good Eating Company (GEC) in Durham, NC supports ... upon hire. What You Bring * Culinary Expertise - Deep knowledge of scratch cooking, seasonal ...

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Sous Chef- High Volume

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

HSS is currently looking for an experienced Sous Chef for a busy American restaurant in the ... Recruit, interview, hire, train, and mentor kitchen staff * Create and manage employee schedules to ...

Executive Chef 2

Durham, NC

$69K - $95K/yr

Role Overview The Executive Sous Chef for Sodexo's Good Eating Company (GEC) in Durham, NC supports ... upon hire. What You Bring * Culinary Expertise - Deep knowledge of scratch cooking, seasonal ...

Executive Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$73K - $94K/yr

Role Overview Sodexo is seeking an Executive Sous Chef for Ingleside at Rock Creek in Washington ... upon hire. What You Bring * has previous supervisory experience and the ability to work ...

Executive Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.37 - $26.39/hr

Role Overview Sodexo is seeking an Executive Sous Chef for Ingleside at Rock Creek in Washington ... upon hire. What You Bring * has previous supervisory experience and the ability to work ...

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Chef For Hire information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do chef for hire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef for hire 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.

What are 'Chef For Hire' services?

A 'Chef For Hire' is a professional chef who offers their culinary skills on a freelance or contract basis, often for private events, parties, or in-home dining experiences. Unlike restaurant chefs, they typically work directly for individuals, families, or organizations for a specific period or event. The services can range from preparing gourmet meals at home, teaching cooking classes, to managing the kitchen for special occasions. This flexible arrangement allows clients to enjoy personalized menus and high-quality cuisine in the comfort of their chosen setting.

How much money to hire a chef?

The cost to hire a chef varies based on experience, location, and the scope of services. On average, private chefs charge between $50 and $150 per hour or $200 to $600 per day, with some offering weekly or event-based rates. Professional chefs may also require additional expenses for ingredients and special requests.

What is the difference between Chef For Hire vs Personal Chef?

AspectChef For HirePersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary training, certifications often preferredSimilar culinary credentials, often with specialized training
Work EnvironmentTemporary or event-based, multiple clientsPrivate household, ongoing personal service
Employer & Industry UsageEvent planning, catering, freelanceIndividual clients, households
Search & Comparison IntentFlexible, freelance, event-focusedPersonalized, household-focused

Chef For Hire typically refers to chefs who work on a freelance basis, catering events or providing temporary services. Personal Chefs work directly for clients, preparing meals in private homes regularly. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, their work environments and client relationships differ significantly.

How much do private chefs charge hourly?

Private chefs typically charge between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the menu. Rates may also include additional fees for shopping, special requests, or event planning, and some chefs offer flat-rate packages for recurring services.

What are some common challenges chefs for hire face when adapting to new kitchens or teams?

Chefs for hire often work in a variety of kitchens with different equipment, layouts, and team dynamics. Adjusting quickly to unfamiliar environments and learning the preferences of new clients or staff can be challenging. Success in this role requires strong adaptability, effective communication, and the ability to maintain high standards under pressure. Building rapport with new teams and staying organized helps ensure smooth operations and client satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Chef For Hire, you need strong culinary skills, experience in diverse cuisines, and often a culinary arts degree or professional certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and inventory management systems is essential. Creativity, time management, and excellent communication help chefs adapt to varied client needs and lead kitchen teams effectively. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality food, efficient operations, and satisfied clients in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments.

What is an hourly rate for a chef?

The hourly rate for a chef varies based on experience, location, and type of establishment, but typically ranges from $15 to $50 per hour. Executive chefs and specialized culinary professionals may earn higher rates, especially in high-end restaurants or private settings. Rates can also be influenced by certifications, skills, and whether the chef is freelance or employed full-time.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2000 a day often include specialized roles such as executive consultants, certain medical specialists, corporate lawyers, or highly experienced freelance professionals. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, or certifications, and may involve consulting, legal work, or medical procedures in high-demand environments.
What cities are hiring for Chef For Hire jobs? Cities with the most Chef For Hire job openings:
What states have the most Chef For Hire jobs? States with the most job openings for Chef For Hire jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chef For Hire job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Full Time, 96% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Executive Chef 2

Executive Chef 2

Sodexo

Atherton, CA • On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,114 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 428 rated business services


Job description

Role Overview
Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef for Menlo College located in Atherton, California. Our Executive Chef will primarily be responsible for Resident dining but may also help with Catering. The Executive Chef will work Tuesday through Saturday OR Sunday through Thursday. Must be able to work at least one weekend day. Sodexo provides college campuses with food, nutrition, environmental, and facilities management solutions. Joining us at one of our campus sites enables you to positively influence college students' well-being and create a healthy learning environment.
What You'll Do
  • be responsible for purchasing, menu compliance, inventory, food cost analysis and food production forecasting;
  • ensure Sodexo Culinary standards including recipe compliance and food quality are implemented;
  • have the ability and willingness to develop and motivate team members to embrace culinary innovations;
  • ensure food safety, sanitation and workplace safety standard compliance; and/or
  • have working knowledge of automated food inventory, ordering, production and management systems.

What We Offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
What You Bring
  • a strong culinary background, with the demonstrated ability to stay current with new culinary trends;
  • excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to maintain the highest of culinary standards;
  • strong coaching and employee development skills; and/or
  • have a passion for food and innovation.

Who We Are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.

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