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Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Retirement Unlimited, Inc.

Sous Chef

Burke, VA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in all phases of meal preparation. Prepares employee offering's, desserts, and bakery items and is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of ...

CNIC Careers

Executive Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$40/hr

The Senior Catering Chef (Executive Chef) is a member of the Naval Academy Hospitality Culinary Team, within the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD). Under the direction of the Deputy ...

Della J's

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with the Executive Chef to create innovative menus and prepare ...

Moxies

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Moxies is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head Chef to lead our high-volume, premium casual kitchen in Washington, DC. This is a key leadership role for a hands-on culinary professional ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with annual increase + quarterly bonus with high growth potential PERKS AND BENEFITS: * 16 weeks of ...

Jose Andres Group

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Sous Chef Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt About José Andrés Group José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality ...

GLOBAL TAPAS LLC

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt About Jose Andres Group Jose Andres Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef Jose ...

FTK Hospitlatity DC

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef - Full Time FTK Hospitality Baltimore | Washington, DC FTK Hospitality DC is seeking a dedicated Executive Chef to lead the kitchen at one of Baltimore's most acclaimed upscale coastal ...

Archer

Sous Chef

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with annual increase + quarterly bonus with high growth potential PERKS AND BENEFITS: * 16 weeks of ...

Lodgeworks

Sous Chef

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with annual increase + quarterly bonus with high growth potential PERKS AND BENEFITS: * 16 weeks of ...

Ned's Club

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K/yr

As Sous Chef you will support your Executive Sous Chef in leading one of the kitchens at Ned's Club, creating an environment for our teams to be their best selves in the kitchen while providing ...

Xiquet

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$60K - $85K/yr

You will work closely with our Executive Chef to develop menus, manage kitchen operations, and maintain the highest quality in every dish. Join the Michelin-Starred Culinary Team at Xiquet by Danny ...

Career Search

Sous Chef

Burke, VA

$49K - $67K/yr

The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in all phases of meal preparation. Prepares employee offering's, desserts, and bakery items and is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of ...

José Andrés Group

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt About José Andrés Group José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality ...

Jose Andres Group

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt Location: Nashville, TN About José Andrés Group José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality ...

Career Search

Sous Chef

Burke, VA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in all phases of meal preparation. Prepares employee offering's, desserts, and bakery items and is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of ...

Della J's

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with the Executive Chef to create innovative menus and prepare ...

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Chef information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$50

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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

Retirement Unlimited, Inc.

Burke, VA • On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Retirement Unlimited a premier Independent Living, and Assisted Living Community, is seeking a Sous Chef to join our team!
The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in all phases of meal preparation. Prepares employee offering's, desserts, and bakery items and is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of sanitation and safety practices in all phases of kitchen operation, food preparation, and storage.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of culinary methods as related to ingredient preparation and recipe execution. Assists Executive Chef with meal preparation as assigned.
  • May assist in procurement of food inventory and supplies.
  • Will assist with front of house operations and participate in resident engagament.
  • Properly labels and stores food items in accordance with safe storage standards.
  • Understands the operation and maintenance of kitchen equipment (food processor, dishwasher, convection oven, etc.)
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary work environment, including floors.
  • Responsible for creation and preparation of baked food items, breads, desserts, etc.
  • Performs scheduled cleaning of equipment and work according to schedule as planned by the Culinary Director.

What can RUI offer you?
  • Pleasant Teamwork Environment
  • Hands-On Immersive Training and Learning experiences
  • Resort-style Community
  • Supportive Corporate Team
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement & College Partnerships
  • Referral Bonus Program
  • 401K with company match
  • Free Meal Daily
  • Competitive Wages
  • Many Opportunities for Growth and Development

Being an RUI team member means having the opportunity to be something more than an employee. Great possibilities lie ahead - to grow as a person and in your career. To live The RUI vision of delivering a lifestyle our residents have earned and deserved. It's an opportunity to become your personal best.

Apply