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Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

A successful chef is someone who is passionate about sushi, sake, Japanese culture, and philosophy, and more importantly, one that can create a positive and impressionable guest experience. The ...

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 ...

Sushi Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$30/hr

A successful chef is someone who is passionate about sushi, sake, Japanese culture, and philosophy, and more importantly, one that can create a positive and impressionable guest experience. The ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

As Sous Chef, youwill be responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and GENERALMANGER in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring quality andconsistency across all menu items, and leading a ...

Sous Chef - Imperfecto | Washington, DC Join the culinary team at Imperfecto, a Michelin-starred restaurant where creativity, precision, and hospitality come together. We are seeking an experienced ...

SOUS CHEF

Annapolis, MD

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous chefs make sure that the kitchen is a well-oiled machine, preparing food, managing the kitchen staff to make sure food prepared quickly and as delicious as possible, and enforcing food safety ...

Sous Chef

Vienna, VA

$66K - $70K/yr

Sous Chef ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Sous Chef serves as the second-in-command in the kitchen, supporting the Chef in both culinary execution and operational management. This role involves ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Washington, DC Area Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 Availability: Immediate We are actively sourcing an Executive Chef for a rapidly expanding, multi-concept restaurant group in ...

SOUS CHEF

Severna Park, MD · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous chefs make sure that the kitchen is a well-oiled machine, preparing food, managing the kitchen staff to make sure food prepared quickly and as delicious as possible, and enforcing food safety ...

Sous Chef

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for Succotash National Harbor , offering a progressive perspective on classic Southern favorites. Under the ...

Sous Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sous Chef

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for Succotash National Harbor , offering a progressive perspective on classic Southern favorites. Under the ...

Junior Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Centrolina is hiring a junior sous chef to help support the culinary vision. Our culinary philosophy is ingredient focused, seasonal cuisine with innovative twists and turns. Our Italian cuisine is ...

SOUS CHEF

Davidsonville, MD · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Sous chefs make sure that the kitchen is a well-oiled machine, preparing food, managing the kitchen staff to make sure food prepared quickly and as delicious as possible, and enforcing food safety ...

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

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Chef information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$50

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.
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 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:
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, Georgetown

DIG INN Chefs-In-Training

Washington, DC • On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

SOUS CHEF

[Restaurant Shift Leader]

$18.50 - $21 / hour depending on experience + $2-3/hour in tips + MORE BENEFITS!ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality excellence in our scratch-based kitchen. With a genuine love for cooking delicious food, you will work to master every DIG station by consistently executing recipes, processes, and procedures and training actively to elevate the knowledge of the whole restaurant. Our Chefs-In-Training look to you for guidance because you invest in their growth, lead during peak service, resolve guest concerns and serve as a vital resource on culinary & systems best practices. You will take initiative as a leader & role model in the kitchen by participating in pre- shifts, shift management, and training & will be held accountable to ensuring tasks across the restaurant are completed on time and to standard. The Sous Chef role is an hourly position and a great opportunity to learn the business and grow with DIG!

YOU WILL:

  • Elevate and motivate Chef's-in-Training by modeling culinary expertise, warm hospitality, and a great attitude.
  • Train fellow teammates on each station, following station diagrams, pars & station prep to ensure consistency.
  • Demonstrate mastery of every station by consistently executing all seasonal menu offerings according to the recipes, procedures, and standards of The Pantry.
  • Manage prep lists, waste logs and participate in food inventory while staying in close contact with your Chef de Cuisine to ensure your walk-in is fully-stocked and organized.
  • Learn all restaurant ordering systems [Food, paper etc] to support the CDC in maintaining appropriate pars needed for service.
  • Run and execute successful restaurant shift management by writing a smart deployment, delegating work appropriately to the team and following scheduled deployment and breaks.
  • Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the previous days leaders to best prepare for a steady shift.
  • Participate in team building through interview shadowing, contributing to the Chef's table agenda, providing feedback to CITs, and leading preshift.
  • Operate the expeditor / computer station to ensure that food presentation and order accuracy is met for all walk-in, pick-up and delivery orders.
  • Troubleshoot and create solutions regarding guest concerns, digital ordering, and equipment maintenance.
  • Help to maintain the "A" lettergrade by following Department of Health and DIG food safety standards.
  • Demonstrate professional maturity and strictly uphold DIG's anti-discrimination & anti-harassment policies.

YOU HAVE:

  • 1+ year leadership experience in a culinary environment.
  • The ability to perform physical requirements of the position (frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds). These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.
  • Food Safety Certification.
  • A desire to create exceptional employee & guest experiences.
  • An eye for detail and solving challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • The willingness to roll up your sleeves and pitch in wherever necessary.
  • A desire for growth in our brigade.

WORK PERKS:

Aside from the standard job description fare (competitive pay) we also offer:

  • Opportunities for GROWTH in a TEAM environment
  • Competitive Pay & potential to earn tips
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K programming
  • Parental leave
  • Thanksgiving, Christmas and other Holidays Off
  • Flexible Scheduling: Part Time and Full Time Hours
  • Complimentary DIG lunch everyday
  • Commuter Benefits

ABOUT US: To learn more about our mission and food please visit our website at: https://www.diginn.com/mission

NOTE: DIG believes in the power of a shared table to bring people together as we are committed to building a culturally inclusive team. Female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply

Additional Role Note:

The duties of this position may change from time to time. DIG reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Dig or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

DIG is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under the New York State Human Rights Law, caregiver or partnership status as those terms are defined under the New York City Human Rights Law (if you are employed in New York City) or other protected status or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law ("Protected Status").