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Chef Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

Computer Network Architect

Franklin, IN · On-site

$60.75 - $81.25/hr

... Chef, FOG, Project, python, and bash scripting. Cloud, physical, and virtual network architect, engineering, and infrastructure monitoring experience required. Expertise with hypervisors such as ...

Grill Cook

Franklin, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Prepare service line for operation as instructed by Executive Chef and/or Management. The line is to be garnished properly at all times. * Check quality of food items, making sure they meet standards ...

Grill Cook

Franklin, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Prepare service line for operation as instructed by Executive Chef and/or Management. The line is to be garnished properly at all times. * Check quality of food items, making sure they meet standards ...

Grill Cook

Franklin, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Prepare service line for operation as instructed by Executive Chef and/or Management. The line is to be garnished properly at all times. * Check quality of food items, making sure they meet standards ...

Grill Cook

Franklin, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Prepare service line for operation as instructed by Executive Chef and/or Management. The line is to be garnished properly at all times. * Check quality of food items, making sure they meet standards ...

Line Cook

Greenwood, IN · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

Line Cook

Greenwood, IN · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

Line Cook

Greenwood, IN · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

Deli

Franklin, IN · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Report any substandard quality to the Executive Chef and/or Manager on duty. 4. Interact with our guests in a friendly, professional manner. Follows Smile Plus Hospitality Imperatives. 5. Post all ...

Grill Cook

Franklin, IN · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Report any substandard quality to the Executive Chef and/or Management. 5. Interact with our guests in a friendly, professional manner. Use Smile Plus Hospitality Imperatives. 6. Post all necessary ...

Prep Cook

Greenwood, IN · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Follow the prep list created by chefs to plan duties * Label and stock all ingredients on shelves so they can be organized and easily accessible * Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$9

$22

$41

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Columbus, IN is $22.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $28.85 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 Columbus, IN?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Columbus, IN are:

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Columbus, IN 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 $47,642 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

CHEF PRN $17.50/hr 10 HOUR SHIFTS

Walker Place

Shelbyville, IN • On-site

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

About LakeHouse Senior Living

LakeHouse Senior Living operates care and lifestyle-focused Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care communities across five states, serving approximately thousands of residents and families. Guided by our Pillars of Excellence, LakeHouse fosters a culture of connection, authenticity, and purpose where residents feel at home and Team Members feel inspired to learn, grow, and lead.

As part of one of the largest senior living families in the United States, LakeHouse communities have earned Great Place to Work® certifications from 2022–2026. LakeHouse is a place where purpose thrives, culture unites us, and opportunity is always present. We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team members’ professional growth, ensuring every team member has the tools to build a meaningful and rewarding career.

Responsibilities:

  • Prepare hot and cold menu items which requires working on the grill, sauté station, salad-bar and on the service line;
  • Ensure the proper preparation, portioning and serving of foods as indicated on the menu cycle and the standardized recipes;
  • Taste and prepare food to determine quality and palatability. 

Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in Senior Living preferred
  • Experience with production methods, portion control and food handling safety required.
  • Great organizational skills a must
  • Strong communication skills
  • Attention to detail and presentation of food product is required.
  • Must be able to work weekends.

Why Join Us

Discovery Senior Living Earned Coveted Great Place to Work Certification for 2025-2026!

A large part of what makes Discovery different from other companies in this industry is our willingness to embrace change. At Discovery Senior Living, we are constantly challenging how we are doing things to ensure the lifestyle we are offering our residents is absolutely the greatest value proposition in the marketplace. It’s just as important to us that the environment and culture for our team members are constantly refreshed. In addition, embracing and even encouraging change brings a never-ending supply of new energy to our business and our culture. That energy translates to other far-reaching positive impacts on our residents as well as our team members.

Find out what makes working at Discovery unique in the world of senior living. Discover Your Purpose!

Our Culture & Values

So often, what brings people together is deeply rooted in who we are and what we stand for. And at Discovery Senior Living, we’re unified by certain, core values, which we call our “Pillars of Excellence.” They make up the fabric of our company, and include TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, COMPASSION, HARD WORK and CREATIVITY.

Individually, they are our virtues, and together, they make up a roadmap which helps us foster innovation and success.

Benefits You’ll Enjoy

For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive pay with early access to earned wages, flexible scheduling, health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, paid training and growth opportunities, uniforms (where applicable), and additional perks such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), volunteer time off, and wellness-related benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. EOE D/V

A Note to Applicants

This job description outlines the general nature and level of responsibilities for this role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the ADA, must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies. Please refrain from contacting hiring managers directly.

Employment Scam Warning

We only post jobs on our official careers site and accept applications through that platform. We do not conduct interviews via text or social media or ask for personal or banking information.

Regulatory Compliance & Background Screening

Discovery Senior Living complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory requirements governing hiring practices, background screening, and workforce eligibility. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of state-mandated and/or federally required background screenings, which may include criminal history checks, fingerprint-based screening, Level 2 background screening, registry verification, and other screenings required for healthcare and senior living roles with direct or indirect resident access.

Certain positions may be subject to additional requirements under federal programs, including CMS, Medicare, and Medicaid regulations, as well as state-specific licensing or regulatory agencies. Screening requirements vary by role and jurisdiction, and candidates must meet all applicable standards as a condition of employment. These measures support regulatory compliance and help maintain a safe, secure environment for residents, families, and team members.

Employment in Florida is contingent upon completion of a Level 2 background screening in accordance with Florida AHCA requirements. Applicants will be required to complete fingerprinting and background screening through the AHCA Clearinghouse. For more information, please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.