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Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and/or Executive Sous Chef to create, implement and maintain quality standards. In some instances, the ...

Sous Chef

Manassas, VA · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Sous Chef Full Time Manassas, VA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1093 Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $72,000.00 Annually Job Summary Villagio Hospitality Group is growing! We are seeking a talented and ...

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Position Overview The Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen. This role ensures consistent food ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Works closely with Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, and Chef de Cuisine. Essential Duties & Responsibilities 1. The Hay Adams Handbook, the department Standard Operating Manual and our policies ...

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Position Overview The Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen. This role ensures consistent food ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Arlington, VA 22203 Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Executive Chef to lead our culinary team in Arlington, VA. The ideal candidate will have a ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$67K - $69K/yr

Works closely with Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, and Chef de Cuisine. Essential Duties & Responsibilities * 1.The Hay Adams Handbook, the department Standard Operating Manual and our policies ...

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Position OverviewThe Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen. This role ensures consistent food ...

Chef Join our team at El Meson Espanol in Washington, DC and showcase your culinary skills in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. We are looking for a talented chef who is passionate about creating ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $80K/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 ...

As a Executive Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager, you will assist the Executive Chef in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and presentation. This role is ...

Chef Join our team at El Meson Espanol in Washington, DC and showcase your culinary skills in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. We are looking for a talented chef who is passionate about creating ...

SOUS CHEF

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$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

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

As a Executive Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager, you will assist the Executive Chef in overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and presentation. This role is ...

Sushi Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$26 - $35/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 ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Arlington, VA 22203 Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Executive Chef to lead our culinary team in Arlington, VA. The ideal candidate will have a ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$50

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,017 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Sous Chef

Washington, DC • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

At Hyatt, we believe our guests select Hyatt because of our caring and attentive associates who are focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences to every guest. Hyatt is a place where high expectations aren't just met-they're exceeded. It's a place of outstanding rewards, where talent opens doors to exciting challenges in the hospitality industry. It's a place where career opportunities are as unlimited as your imagination. Discover your place to shine in our warm, respectful, and inclusive culture.
Our Hyatt Culture is represented by our mission, values, and goals through: Innovative, Respect, Service-Oriented and Inclusion. Innovative, Hyatt is forward thinking and passionate as we seek new ways to advance in the hospitality industry. Respect, Hyatt associates are inspired by the team's spirit and camaraderie given to one another. Service-Oriented, Hyatt is customer focused by providing authentic hospitality in every way every time.
The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and/or Executive Sous Chef to create, implement and maintain quality standards. In some instances, the Sous Chef will be expected to be responsible for the entire operation in the absence of the Executive Sous Chef and/or Executive Chef. The ideal Sous Chef will accomplish their tasks by monitoring the daily functions of the culinary department, including providing support and guidance to the culinary team, ending in a positive guest experience. This position will also work across both Blue Duck Tavern and Banquets, supporting each area based on business and operational needs.
Salary Range :
$65,000 to $80,000
Responsibilities include:
  • Support senior leadership by developing and assuming basic management responsibilities
  • Assisting the team in the kitchen for day-to-day operation
  • Ensuring the highest quality of food is executed on a daily basis
  • Assume the role of liaison between all departments within the culinary division and all other hotel departments
  • Supervise the preparation and cooking of various food items
  • Develop and implement creative menu items that adhere to Hyatt brand standards
  • Plan, coordinate & implement special events and holiday functions
  • Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and hiring
  • May manage other key culinary leadership roles including supervisor and other less senior Sous Chefs
  • Lead and coach the team towards achieving exceptional guest service and employee satisfaction results
  • Monitor food production, ordering, cost, and quality and consistency on a daily basis
  • Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen facilities and equipment

Qualifications -
  • In-depth skills and knowledge of all kitchen operations
  • Possess strong leadership, communication, organization and relationship skills
  • Experience with training, basic financial management and customer service
  • Proficient in general computer knowledge
  • A true desire to exceed guest expectations in a fast-paced customer service environment
  • Capable of producing a consistent product in a timely manner
  • Strong training and communication skills
  • Culinary education and/or on the job training, hotel experience preferred
  • Geographic and schedule flexibility required

We offer excellent benefits:
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after only 30 days
• Free room nights, colleague discount rates, and friends & family room rates
• 401(k) retirement matching plan (up to 4%)
• Paid time off
• Paid family bonding time and adoption assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free colleague meals during shift
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Discounts at various retailers - Apple, AT&T, Verizon, Headspace and many more