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Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Titan Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The Sous Chef will be familiar with all of the daily operations of the kitchen, and must be able to perform any task in the kitchen as needed. Sous Chef will act as the intermediary between the ...

The Dabney

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$60K - $75K/yr

The Dabney, Chef Jeremiah Langhorne's first solo project, is located in the historic Blagden Alley in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC. Chef Langhorne and his team are looking to bring ...

The Park at 14th

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

NOW HIRING Sous Chef The Park at 14th 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 Full-Time $70,000$75,000 / year About Us The Park at 14th is a high-design, multi-level dining and entertainment destination ...

The Park at 14th

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

NOW HIRING Sous Chef The Park at 14th • 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 Full-Time • $70,000-$75,000 / year About Us The Park at 14th is a high-design, multi-level dining and entertainment ...

Della J's

Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Chef to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for creating innovative menus and preparing delicious meals for our ...

The Park at 14th

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

NOW HIRING Sous Chef The Park at 14th 920 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 Full-Time $70,000-$75,000 / year About Us The Park at 14th is a high-design, multi-level dining and entertainment ...

POTOMAC HOSPITALITY GROUP INC

Executive Chef

Bowie, MD · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Executive Chef - Potomac Hospitality Group Location: Potomac, MD Reports to: Ownership Employment Type: Full-Time About Us: Potomac Hospitality Group is dedicated to delivering an dining experiences ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA

$81K - $112K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef to work at the airport! You will be responsible for the daily operations of this full-service restaurant, including ensuring standards are met, visibility of ...

Mi Vida District Wharf

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$60K - $80K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will be responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and GENERAL MANGER in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring quality and consistency across all menu items, and leading a ...

Osteria Morini - Washington DC

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

We are actively seeking Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef and/or Sous Chefs who share our passion for food and culinary excellence and desire to work in an exciting, highly-acclaimed restaurant in ...

Osteria Morini - Washington DC

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

We are actively seeking Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef and/or Sous Chefs who share our passion for food and culinary excellence and desire to work in an exciting, highly-acclaimed restaurant in ...

Elizabeth's

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

This structure offers an unparalleled opportunity for chefs who wish to deliver refined, high-level cuisine while maintaining meaningful personal time. Operating three evenings per week allows the ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $111K/yr

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who cares deeply about execution, consistency, and building strong teams. You'll work closely with restaurant leadership to set standards, support the ...

RIDGEWELLS INC

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$52K - $70K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for managing the day-to-day food production for our high-volume operation, servicing a wide variety of high-end off-premise events and contract accounts. RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 ...

Well Dunn Catering

Event Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Experienced Event Chefs Well Dunn Catering - Washington, DC. Full-Time and Part-Time. $25 -$35 per hour. As one of DC's premier caterers, Well Dunn Catering is a leader in creating innovative ...

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Washington is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $35.14 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.
More about Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Washington? For Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in WA? For Chef jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,017 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Titan Hospitality Group

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description:
The Sous Chef will be familiar with all of the daily operations of the kitchen, and must be able to perform any task in the kitchen as needed. Sous Chef will act as the intermediary between the kitchen and wait staff; strong leadership and communication abilities are a must.
Requirements:
Planning and directing food preparation.
• As the second in command, the Sous Chef is responsible for managing kitchen staff to ensure food is prepared properly.
• The Sous Chef must be a problem solver, ready to come up with on the spot solutions for problems that may occur in the kitchen.
Expediting.
• The Sous Chef will serve as the expeditor for the kitchen.
• He/she will be responsible for arranging tickets and ordering food preparation so that customers receive food in the order it should be sent out.
Quality Control.
• The Sous Chef is responsible for ensuring that food that leaves the kitchen is of the highest quality and will make diners happy.
• The Sous Chef will often be asked to ensure that portions are correct and the food is plated in an attractive manner.
Managing kitchen staff.
• The Sous Chef will be tasked with ensuring all kitchen workers are performing at the level required by a professional kitchen, and may come up with incentives to ensure that workers are putting their best effort forth.
Training and scheduling.
• The Sous Chef is in charge of training new employees and may be required to create the schedule to ensure adequate manning for the kitchen.

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