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Chef Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Altius Search Group

Executive Chef

Starkville, MS · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Executive Chef is to direct food ordering, preparation, production, and control for all food outlets and banquet facilities of the hotel. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Responsible for enhancing the ...

Hotel Madelon

Executive Chef

Starkville, MS · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

The Executive Chef is to direct food ordering, preparation, production, and control for all food outlets and banquet facilities of the hotel. The Executive Chef reports to Food and Beverage Manager ...

Charlestowne Hotels

Executive Chef

Starkville, MS · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

The Executive Chef is to direct food ordering, preparation, production, and control for all food outlets and banquet facilities of the hotel. The Executive Chef reports to Food and Beverage Manager ...

Georgia Blue

Linecook- Starkville

Starkville, MS · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

Develop serious culinary skills under our chefs * Guaranteed workout (forget that gym membership - you'll lift up to 40lbs regularly) The Look: Rock our Georgia Blue gear (shirt/chef coat and hat ...

Georgia Blue

Linecook- Starkville

Starkville, MS · On-site

$14.25 - $17.75/hr

Develop serious culinary skills under our chefs * Guaranteed workout (forget that gym membership - you'll lift up to 40lbs regularly) The Look: Rock our Georgia Blue gear (shirt/chef coat and hat ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Kitchen Steward

Starkville, MS · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. Kitchen Stewards support the culinary team by maintaining a clean and sanitary ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Kitchen Steward

Starkville, MS · On-site

$12.50 - $17/hr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. Kitchen Stewards support the culinary team by maintaining a clean and sanitary ...

Georgia Blue

The Best Line Cooks

Starkville, MS · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

Rock our Georgia Blue gear (shirt/chef coat and hat) with black pants and slip-resistant shoes. Ready to join a kitchen that's as much about the people as it is about the food? Let's cook something ...

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Chef information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Columbus, MS is $24.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $30.29 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.
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For Chef jobs in Columbus, MS, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Columbus, MS as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,434 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Executive Chef

Starkville, MS • On-site

Altius Search Group
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Altius Search Groupexternal

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Our client is currently building out a new boutique hotel in Starkville, Mississippi and is searching for their opening Executive Chef. The hotel is slated to open in August 2027.
The Executive Chef is to direct food ordering, preparation, production, and control for all food outlets and banquet facilities of the hotel.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Responsible for enhancing the food product that is presented to guests
Make changes that respond to the marketplace and to guests' needs, both present and anticipated
Recommend changes to the food product
Use market research to develop new products
Responsible for maintaining quality of food product and ensuring consistency in food delivery and standards
Work in support of team goals and measures effectiveness through the Food & Beverage profit and service performance of the hotel
Responsible for the selection, training, and development of the personnel within the department
Able to exercise hire and fire discretion within the hotel's policies
Oversee divisional matters as they relate to federal, state and local employment and civil rights laws
Control the elements that determine profit and loss
Responsible for all major operating expenses
Set margins and manage the business against projections
Participate, support and make recommendations for ongoing hotel programs with continuous improvement in networking
Professionally represent the hotel in community and industry organizations and events
Participate as a team player with all departments
Provide constructive feedback to all departments
Be a leader and a role model to all employees
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:
3 years' experience as a Executive Chef, Exec Sous Chef or CDC, preferably with a full-service property
Management experience required
Graduate of an accredited Culinary School program preferred
Must have experience at properties of similar size and quality
Proficiency in Microsoft applications is required
Verifiable record improving measurable metrics relation to the Food Department and guest satisfaction
SKILLS:
Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills
Excellent service & communication skills
Strong technical skills
Excellent time management skills
Strong organizational skills
Computer and telephone skills required
Excellent listening skills
Exceptional detail in follow-up
Excellent safety and sanitation skills
Creative problem solving skills
Basic mathematical skills required
Strong attention to detail

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