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Chef Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef | Hotel Leo Let's start off with the most important part-what's in it for you: The Perks *Eligibility of perks is dependent upon job status * Hourly Range: $25 to $30 DOE * Commuter/Parking ...

Sous hourly

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

May assume all duties of the Chef in the Chef's absence Physical: Must be able to stand and move at a fast pace for up to four hours. Must be able to lift pots, pans and other containers weighing up ...

New

F&B Lead Cook

Ferndale, WA

$18 - $23/hr

Work closely with Chef to achieve daily goals. * Performs all other duties as directed by Executive Chef, Sous Chef or F&B Director. Physical/Mental Requirements: * Constantly walking, standing ...

F&B Lead Cook

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Work closely with Chef to achieve daily goals. * Performs all other duties as directed by Executive Chef, Sous Chef or F&B Director. Physical/Mental Requirements: * Constantly walking, standing ...

I. PURPOSE OF POSITION To provide prompt and courteous food and beverage service to guests in accordance with established policies as well as applicable laws and regulations while demonstrating and ...

F&B Cook

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Identifying and informing the Chef regarding any problems on station. * Work rapidly and accurately. * Utilize proper food handling techniques following health and safety standards. * Proper stocking ...

F&B Cook

Ferndale, WA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Identifying and informing the Chef regarding any problems on station. * Work rapidly and accurately. * Utilize proper food handling techniques following health and safety standards. * Proper stocking ...

F&B Cook

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Identifying and informing the Chef regarding any problems on station. * Work rapidly and accurately. * Utilize proper food handling techniques following health and safety standards. * Proper stocking ...

F&B Cook

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Identifying and informing the Chef regarding any problems on station. * Work rapidly and accurately. * Utilize proper food handling techniques following health and safety standards. * Proper stocking ...

Prepares seafood, service meat and chef express products for sale by filleting, wrapping and pricing products following established department and company policies and procedures. * Writes daily ...

Prepares seafood, service meat and chef express products for sale by filleting, wrapping and pricing products following established department and company policies and procedures. * Writes daily ...

Seafood Manage

Ferndale, WA

$21.15 - $24.15/hr

Prepares seafood, service meat and chef express products for sale by filleting, wrapping and pricing products following established department and company policies and procedures. * Writes daily ...

Utilize all tools and skills learned in the CHEF'STORE Way training and model the behavior in the store. * Perform sales and cash functions in the POS in an efficient and accurate manner. This ...

Cook

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

You will collaborate closely with the Head Chef and kitchen team to ensure efficient food production and timely service. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to food safety regulations ...

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Chef information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Bellingham, WA is $25.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $32.21 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 Bellingham, WA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Bellingham, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Bellingham, WA are:
What cities near Bellingham, WA are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Bellingham, WA with the most Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Bellingham, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,243 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

SENIOR CHEF MANAGER ( UNITED GENERAL MEDICAL CENTE

Compass Group

Sedro Woolley, WA

$95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,083 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 488 rated business services


Job description

 Salary: 85000-$95000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

Pay Grade: [[payGrade_obj]] 

Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafes to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation's largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.

Job Summary

 Job Summary:

Working as the Chef Manager Senior you will be responsible for back and front of the house operations for the food service departments. You will maintain a quality culinary program and process all financial reporting. Duties also include menu development, inventory, purchasing, labor and food cost controls, maintaining sanitation standards, and personnel management to include hiring, coaching, counseling, training and developing.

Key Responsibilities:  

  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
  • Participates in employee meetings and training programs
  • Conducts safety, sanitation and maintenance programs
  • Maintains food cost while ensuring quality standards
  • Maintains an active role in managing team developments
  • Manages purchasing and inventory controls
  • Performs related duties and special projects as assigned 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Degree in Culinary Arts is preferred or equivalent professional experience
  • Five years progressive culinary management experience
  • Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask
  • Maintains a positive attitude under pressure and motivate team
  • Must possess a passion for excellence
  • Must be knowledgeable on HACCP controls along with  proper storage and use of food
  • Purchasing, food storage and sanitation experience
  • P&L and financial reporting experience
  • Knowledge of budgets, labor costs, inventory controls
  • Strong leadership, coaching and training skills
  • Computer skills: proficient in Microsoft Office and POS
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Exceptional business etiquette and client relations
  • Ability to lift, bend and carry up to 40 lbs
  • Knowledge of safe and sanitary food handling principles
  • Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
  • ServSafe or Department of Health certification a plus

Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits. 

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1526655

Morrison Healthcare 

MELANIE ATKINS 

[[req_classification]] 


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