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Chef Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Opus 9 Steakhouse

Chef

Williamsburg, VA

$60K - $65K/yr

We look forward to meeting chefs who are ready to make a lasting impact and help shape the next chapter of our restaurant's success. Location: Williamsburg, VA We fully embrace the fine dining ...

MOUNT VERNON COUNTRY CLUB INC

Sous-chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Join our dynamic culinary team as a Sous Chef, where your passion for food and leadership skills will help elevate our restaurant's dining experience. We are seeking a dedicated and ...

Up On The Roof

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA

$70K - $97K/yr

We are seeking an innovative, skilled, and inspiring Executive Chef to lead our culinary program and help shape the future of our brand.Position SummaryThe Executive Chef will oversee all back-of ...

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Sous Chef

Woodford, VA · On-site

$55K/yr

Now Hiring: Sous Chef At our newest resort destination in Virginia, we're not just opening a ... Apply today and help us Lead with Love. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity ...

Redd Hospitality

Sous Chef

Edinburg, VA

$44K - $60K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will assist the Executive Chef in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring high ... Join our team where your culinary expertise will be valued, and your contributions will help shape ...

UP On The Roof

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

We are seeking an innovative, skilled, and inspiring Executive Chef to lead our culinary program and help shape the future of our brand. Position Summary The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of ...

Revel Restaurant

Senior Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA

$55K/yr

We celebrate the wins, we help each other through the hard shifts, and we genuinely care about each ... The Sous Chef role is a serious one. You're the Executive Chef's right hand, you'll lead the ...

Taco Bamba Richmond

Chef

Richmond, VA

Description The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily Back-of-House (BOH) operations and acting ... Track and help control food and labor costs. * Ensure compliance with opening/closing checklists.

Taco Bamba

Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily Back-of-House (BOH) operations and acting as Manager ... Track and help control food and labor costs. * Ensure compliance with opening/closing checklists.

Taco Bamba Taqueria

Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily Back-of-House (BOH) operations and acting as Manager ... Track and help control food and labor costs. * Ensure compliance with opening/closing checklists.

Fleming's

Executive Chef

Mclean, VA

$72K - $99K/yr

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai . Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a successful Executive Chef, you will be the key to fulfilling our promise to make every guest ...

CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar

Sous Chef

Mascot, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

Our Executive Chef will exercise knowledge of restaurant operations, manage staff resources, provide counsel, develop and coach team members and help to build sales and profits while maintaining ...

Invited

Sous Chef

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef Day to Day * Ensure ...

Invited Clubs

Sous Chef

Haymarket, VA

$46K - $62K/yr

Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the ... Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen.

Invited Clubs

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA

$51K - $69K/yr

Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the ... Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen.

Invited

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the ... Reporting Structure • Reports to the Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef Day to Day * Ensure ...

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Chef Helper information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$16

$30

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef helper in Virginia is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.86 and $17.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a kitchen helper?

To become a kitchen helper, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking or food handling skills. On-the-job training is common, and good communication, teamwork, and the ability to follow safety procedures are important for success in this role.

What is a chef's helper called?

A chef's helper is commonly called a kitchen assistant or line cook assistant. They support chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning workstations, and assisting with basic cooking tasks in a professional kitchen environment.

What are some typical daily tasks and challenges faced by a Chef Helper in a professional kitchen?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

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

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision in a fast-paced environment, and may need to follow safety and hygiene standards.

How much is the salary for a kitchen helper?

The salary for a kitchen helper typically ranges from $10 to $15 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the establishment. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced helpers or those in high-cost areas can earn more. Overtime and tips may also contribute to overall compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chef Helper jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Chef Helper job openings:
Chef Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,444 per year, or $16.6 per hour.
Chef

Chef

Opus 9 Steakhouse

Williamsburg, VA

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Chef – Fine Dining RestaurantLead a Culinary Program Defined by Excellence

We are seeking an accomplished Experienced Chef to lead the culinary operations of an upscale fine dining restaurant where exceptional ingredients, meticulous execution, and elevated guest experiences are the foundation of our success.

This opportunity is ideal for a chef who combines refined culinary expertise with strong operational leadership. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of quality, developing and mentoring a talented kitchen team, and driving both culinary innovation and financial performance.

If you are passionate about craftsmanship, hospitality, and building a culture of excellence, we invite you to join our team.

Position Overview

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and an exceptional dining experience for every guest. You will play a key role in menu development, team leadership, cost management, and the continued evolution of our culinary program.


Key Responsibilities
  • Direct and oversee all kitchen operations in a high-end dining environment.
  • Develop and execute seasonal menus, chef features, tasting experiences, and specialty offerings.
  • Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation standards across every service.
  • Manage food costs, labor expenses, inventory controls, and purchasing strategies to achieve financial objectives.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers while ensuring product quality and consistency.
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a professional culinary team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
  • Implement and maintain efficient systems for preparation, service execution, sanitation, and quality control.
  • Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
  • Collaborate with ownership and leadership on business strategy, menu development, guest satisfaction initiatives, and long-term growth.

Qualifications
  • Proven success as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a fine dining, luxury hospitality, or upscale restaurant environment.
  • Strong knowledge of classical culinary foundations and contemporary cooking techniques.
  • Demonstrated expertise in food cost management, labor controls, inventory systems, and kitchen financial performance.
  • Experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing culinary teams.
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to thrive in a demanding, fast-paced environment while maintaining composure and excellence.
  • Passion for hospitality, culinary innovation, and operational excellence.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Health and dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Employee dining privileges
  • Professional growth and leadership development opportunities
  • Creative influence within an established, quality-driven concept
  • Supportive ownership team committed to long-term success

Join Our Team

This is an opportunity to lead a respected culinary operation where quality, professionalism, and guest experience are paramount. If you are a driven culinary leader seeking a role that values both artistry and business acumen, we encourage you to apply.

We look forward to meeting chefs who are ready to make a lasting impact and help shape the next chapter of our restaurant's success.

Location: Williamsburg, VA

We fully embrace the fine dining experience from quality of steakhouse fare to the diversity of the wine list, casual elegance, club-like lounge sophistication, ambiance, private dining accommodations and first class service.
We offer a diverse selection of fine wine, hand-picked to compliment dinner choices.