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Chef Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

SOUS CHEF

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$31.80/hr

We are hiring immediately for a SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME) position. * Address : Catering at WWU 563 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full Time; ...

We are hiring immediately for a SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME) position. * Address : Catering at WWU 563 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full Time; ...

We are hiring immediately for a SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME) position. * Address : Viking Commons at WWU 563 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

We are hiring immediately for a SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME) position. * Address : Viking Commons at WWU 563 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

We are hiring immediately for a SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME) position. * Address : Viking Commons at WWU 563 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

Food Runner/Expeditor

Eastsound, WA

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Follows the direction of the Sous Chef and Head Chef. * Follows all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards. * Maintains high attention to detail in food preparation, packaging, and ...

Salad Prep

Eastsound, WA · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Follows the direction of the Sous Chef and Head Chef. * Maintains high attention to detail in food preparation, packaging, and presentation. * Provides exceptional customer service by engaging with ...

Cook

Anacortes, WA · On-site

$19 - $24/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 ...

You don't have to be a gourmet chef, but you can prepare a good meal, work your way around a kitchen and run to the grocery store, if needed. Must Haves: * A desire to learn, help others, and improve ...

Seafood Clerks are responsible for filleting, wrapping and merchandising seafood, service meat and chef express products while you assist guests with product selection and sales. Additionally, you ...

Cook

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$19.38 - $29.07/hr

Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you ...

Conducts inventory, monitors product levels, and communicates replenishment needs to the Chef team. * Ensures sanitary and well-maintained food preparation areas and kitchen equipment. * Operates and ...

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Chef information

See Bellingham, WA salary details

$10

$25

$46

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

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 Bellingham, WA?

The most popular types of 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,243 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

$31.80/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Location: WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY - CATERING
  • We are hiring immediately for a SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME) position.
  • Address: Catering at WWU 563 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full Time; Shiftys may vary with needs of business, more details in interview!
  • Requirement: Prior experience in culinary positions, with significant exposure to varrious cuisines and techniques that support a lead role. Supervisory and Sous Chef role experience, preferred.
  • Pay Range: $26.85 per hour to $31.80 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1557976.
The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.
Join our campus team where you are valued and empowered to make a difference. Enjoy competitive wages, benefits, and perks like Instapay through the One @Work app. Our careers are filled with purpose and encourage learning, growth, and meaningful impact. Apply today!
Job Summary
Summary: Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Cooks and prepares food following approved recipes and production standards. Ensures all deadlines are met based on production orders.
  • Supervises hourly food service associates. Includes interviewing, scheduling, payroll, training, counseling, participating in reviews and recommending disciplinary action, as appropriate.
  • Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Ensures proper food handling, presentation, portion control and maintenance of appropriate serving temperatures.
  • Maintains sanitation of equipment, supplies and utensils. Cleans workstation thoroughly before leaving area. Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service to comply with all sanitation, safety, production and merchandising requirements.
  • Interacts with customers to resolve complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner. Relays relevant information directly to supervisor.
  • Demonstrates complete understanding of daily menu items and accurately explains them to associates and customers.
  • Keeps up with peak production and service hours.
  • Monitors inventory and deliveries of product and supplies. Tracks product production, consumption and waste. Informs supervisor when supplies or product are low.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

The Benefits
We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability 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 Maryland, Washington State, 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_ChartwellsHED.pdf
Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company's behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
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.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

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