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Chef Jobs in Belleville, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an Executive Chef who wants more than a kitchen-management position. This is an opportunity to help shape the culinary identity of Cobalt, build a respected kitchen culture ...

We are looking for an Executive Chef who wants more than a kitchen-management position. This is an opportunity to help shape the culinary identity of Cobalt, build a respected kitchen culture ...

We're looking for a skilled and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, drive culinary excellence, and take our menu to the next level. If you have a deep love for food, strong leadership ...

We're looking for a skilled and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, drive culinary excellence, and take our menu to the next level. If you have a deep love for food, strong leadership ...

Sous Chef - Full Time 360 Rooftop Bar | 1 S Broadway Join our vibrant team at 360 Rooftop Bar, where you'll play a crucial role in delivering exceptional culinary experiences in a fast-paced, full ...

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to oversee food preparation, ensure consistency, and maintain high culinary standards. This role ...

Sous Chef

Troy, IL

$20 - $25/hr

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to oversee food preparation, ensure consistency, and maintain high culinary standards. This role ...

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to oversee food preparation, ensure consistency, and maintain high culinary standards. This role ...

Chef

Clayton, MO

$18 - $22/hr

Join Our Team as a Chef at Ivy Cafe in Clayton, MO! Are you passionate about crafting delicious dishes and creating memorable dining experiences? Ivy Cafe, nestled in the heart of Clayton, MO, is ...

Sous Chef

Creve Coeur, MO · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef will build a culture of teamwork, enthusiasm, and superior service with the staff as well as train, motivate, and supervise his/her team. Sous Chefs may assist the Executive Chef and ...

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef will build a culture of teamwork, enthusiasm, and superior service with the staff as well as train, motivate, and supervise his/her team. Sous Chefs may assist the Executive Chef and ...

Sous Chef

Creve Coeur, MO · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO

$46K - $63K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for quality food in a neat, clean, and organized kitchen. We expect our Sous Chefs to have excellent ...

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Chef information

See Belleville, IL salary details

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$23

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Belleville, IL is $23.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $30.10 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 Belleville, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Belleville, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Belleville, IL?

For Chef jobs in Belleville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Belleville, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Belleville, IL are:

What cities near Belleville, IL are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Belleville, IL with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Belleville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,755 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Head Chef / Executive Chef

4th Street Cellars - Downtown Hermann Historic District

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

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Job description

Head Chef / Executive Chef

Adam Puchta Winery Restaurant
Downtown Hermann Historic District | Hermann, MO
Full-Time

Help Build the Culinary Destination of Missouri Wine Country

Adam Puchta Winery is opening an exciting new restaurant, brewery, and wine bar in the heart of historic downtown Hermann, Missouri, and we're looking for an exceptional Head Chef / Executive Chef to lead our culinary program.

This is more than just another chef position. It's an opportunity to build the kitchen, create the menu, develop the culture, and help shape the culinary identity of one of Missouri Wine Country's newest destination restaurants from the ground up.

If you're passionate about creating memorable dining experiences, leading talented people, and working alongside an award-winning winery and craft brewery, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Create and execute an innovative seasonal menu featuring elevated comfort food, locally inspired ingredients, and chef-driven specialties

• Lead all back-of-house operations including food preparation, quality control, scheduling, inventory, and purchasing

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team

• Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, cleanliness, and food safety

• Develop food specials designed to pair with our craft beers and award-winning wines

• Manage food cost, labor cost, and overall kitchen profitability

• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture

• Ensure compliance with all local health, safety, and sanitation regulations

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or experienced Sous Chef ready for the next step

• Proven experience developing menus and controlling food and labor costs

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen

• Passion for creative cuisine while respecting classic guest favorites

• Appreciation for craft beer, wine, and thoughtful food pairings

• Highly organized, self-motivated, and committed to excellence

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

• Employer-sponsored health insurance

• Employer-sponsored life insurance

• Paid vacation and paid time off

• Employee discounts

• Creative freedom to help build the restaurant's culinary identity

• Opportunity to work alongside an exciting craft beer program and Missouri's oldest family-owned winery

• The chance to become a key leader in one of Missouri Wine Country's premier hospitality destinations

Why Join Adam Puchta Winery?

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up rather than inherit an existing operation. Your creativity, leadership, and passion will directly influence the success of our new restaurant for years to come.

If you're ready to lead an exceptional culinary team and create a dining experience guests will travel to Hermann to enjoy, we encourage you to apply today.