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Chef Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Saco, ME

$60K - $75K/yr

Chef Position Purpose To create innovative, high-quality, and nutritious school meals that increase student participation, support local agriculture, and elevate the school dining experience through ...

Executive Chef Job Reference Number: 40322 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Bar Harbor , Maine (US-ME) The Role at a glance: We are ...

Chef

Saco, ME · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

District Date Available: 08/31/2026 Chef Position Purpose To create innovative, high-quality, and nutritious school meals that increase student participation, support local agriculture, and elevate ...

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 ...

The Sous Chef works alongside the Head Chef and a small, dedicated team during service. As Sous Chef, you will help lead daily kitchen operations, execute our New England seafood bistro-style menu ...

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 39824 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Bar Harbor , Maine (US-ME) The Role at a glance: We are looking to ...

Sous Chef

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

$58K/yr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 39824 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Bar Harbor , Maine (US-ME) The Role at a glance: We are looking to ...

Executive Chef

Bar Harbor, ME · On-site

$80/hr

Executive Chef Job Reference Number: 40322 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs Location: Bar Harbor , Maine (US-ME) The Role at a glance: We are ...

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 ...

Sous Chef

Portland, ME

$50K - $68K/yr

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 staff to ensure that recipes and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME

$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 ...

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME

$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 ...

Executive Chef

Bethel, ME · On-site

$65K/yr

Description 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 ...

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Chef information

See Maine salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 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.

How much is a chef's salary?

The average salary for a chef varies depending on experience, location, and establishment type, but typically ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 annually. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 per year.

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 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.

What Is a Chef?

A chef is a highly trained culinary professional who works as the chief cook in the kitchen of a restaurant. Many chefs earn a culinary degree and are formally trained by another accomplished chef, making them very skilled and competent in their craft. A chef spends a majority of their time in the kitchen cooking and directing other food preparers on the best ways to put together dishes, including appropriate garnish and presentation. Chefs are creative professionals, and are often involved in planning and making menus for the restaurant. Because chefs work as the head cooks in the kitchen, they are the supervisors of the other kitchen workers. In addition to overseeing food preparation, chefs coach and develop the other kitchen staff and help them grow and improve their skills. They are responsible for managing the logistics of the kitchen operations. They order necessary supplies, provide cost estimates to their employer, and monitor staff requirements and schedules.

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 is the highest paying job as a chef?

Executive chefs, especially those managing large or high-end establishments, tend to have the highest salaries among chefs, with some earning over $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs in luxury hotels and resorts often command higher pay due to experience, reputation, and leadership responsibilities.

What other jobs can I do as a chef?

Chefs can transition into roles such as restaurant managers, food service directors, culinary instructors, food critics, or catering managers. These positions often require similar skills in food preparation, management, and customer service, and may benefit from certifications like ServSafe or culinary degrees.

What are some 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.

Is chef high salary?

Chefs can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Executive chefs and those working in high-end restaurants or hotels tend to have higher salaries, often supplemented with tips and bonuses. Entry-level chefs typically earn less, while specialized skills and certifications can lead to increased earnings.
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 job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Maine look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Maine 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% 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.

$60K - $75K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Chef
Position Purpose
To create innovative, high-quality, and nutritious school meals that increase student participation, support local agriculture, and elevate the school dining experience through culinary excellence and collaboration.
Performance Responsibilities:




  • Develop, test, and standardize recipes that meet USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements and appeal to students.
  • Create innovative, nutritious menus using scratch and semi-scratch cooking techniques.
  • Partner with local farms, fishermen, seafood providers, and food producers to incorporate fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods.
  • Lead and support Farm to School initiatives and local procurement efforts.
  • Research and incorporate local, regional, and national food trends into school menus.
  • Develop culturally diverse menu items that introduce students to a variety of global cuisines.
  • Implement and oversee after school meals programing through the CACFP.
  • Use student feedback and participation data to improve menus and increase meal participation.
  • Collaborate with the School Nutrition Director to develop menus that meet nutritional, operational, and budgetary goals.
  • Train and support cafeteria staff on recipes, food preparation techniques, and presentation.
  • Evaluate new products for quality, nutrition, student acceptance, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Assist with special events, menu promotions, chef demonstrations, and nutrition education activities.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and USDA regulations.

Additional Duties

  • Performs other related tasks as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Good customer service skills
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast paced team environment
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

  • Works in standard school cafeteria environment 

Qualifications Profile

  • Degree or certificate from an accredited culinary school (preferred).
  • Professional culinary experience, preferably in institutional, school, healthcare, or high-volume foodservice.
  • Current ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain
  • Current Maine Department of Education Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) approval or eligible to obtain
  • Experience with recipe development, recipe standardization, and large-scale food production
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.
 

Reports to : School Nutrition Director

Compensation:

Based on experience and Education 

Chef -  Salary Range - $60,000- $75,000

Equal Opportunity:

Saco School Department is committed to promoting diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion.  We encourage qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

FLSA Status:             Nonexempt
Apply online
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