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Chef Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO- open to relocation Chef-driven coastal New England restaurant within a luxury resort looking for a CDC to lead its signature restaurant Qualifications: * 5+ years of ...

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Sous Chef is one of our entry level to management, seasonal, positions with the potential for growth and opportunity. As with most kitchens, during day to day operations problems may arise, our ideal ...

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Sous Chef is one of our entry level to management, seasonal, positions with the potential for growth and opportunity. As with most kitchens, during day to day operations problems may arise, our ideal ...

$71K - $98K/yr

The executive chef for Camp Manitou is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, including camp and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining ...

Executive Chef

Oakland, ME

$71K - $98K/yr

The executive chef for Camp Manitou is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, including camp and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining ...

$71K - $98K/yr

The executive chef for Camp Manitou is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, including camp and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining ...

Sous Chef

Portland, ME · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Location Portland, Maine Summary A Sous Chef at American Dining Creations will support the Chef & Executive Chef with executing daily culinary services. This position will work with the culinary ...

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Executive Chef

Bethel, ME · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to oversee day-to-day operations Millbrooke Tavern and Grille at Bethel Resort and Suites. The Executive Chef will have a strong understanding of culinary ...

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong ...

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats ...

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Sous Chef - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow? Do you want to join a fun, supportive team where you can build lifelong ...

Chef 2

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$21/hr

Chef 2 is responsible for consistently providing the highest quality of service and hospitality to residents and their family members, co-workers, vendors, and all visitors. The Chef 2 is frequently ...

Chef 2

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$21/hr

Chef 2 is responsible for consistently providing the highest quality of service and hospitality to residents and their family members, co-workers, vendors, and all visitors. The Chef 2 is frequently ...

Chef 2

Falmouth, ME · On-site

$21/hr

Chef 2 is responsible for consistently providing the highest quality of service and hospitality to residents and their family members, co-workers, vendors, and all visitors. The Chef 2 is frequently ...

Executive Chef

Portland, ME · On-site

$110 - $120/hr

Executive Chef As the Executive Chef, you will lead all culinary operations, overseeing menu creation, food preparation, and kitchen staff management. You'll ensure exceptional food quality ...

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Chef information

See Maine salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Maine is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $30.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Maine?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Maine are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Maine?

For Chef jobs in Maine, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Maine are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities in Maine with the most Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in ME?

For Chef jobs in ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Maine as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,596 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine

the Chef Agency

Cape Neddick, ME

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Location: Southern Maine
Salary: $80k-90k
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO- open to relocation
 
Chef-driven coastal New England restaurant within a luxury resort looking for a CDC to lead its signature restaurant
 
Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of culinary leadership experience, ideally in an upscale, luxury hotel/resort, or high-volume restaurant environment.
  • Strong background in coastal New England cuisine, seafood, seasonal ingredients, and locally sourced products.
  • Proven experience leading, training, and developing a high-performing culinary team
  • Passion for creating memorable guest experiences and contributing to a collaborative, chef-driven culinary culture.    
 
Responsibilities:
 
  • Manage and develop the culinary team, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance management.
  • Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution across all services.
  • Lead day-to-day culinary operations for the restaurant 
  • Oversee menu development with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and coastal New England cuisine.

Chef Agency logo

About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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