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Chef Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Cook / BOH Crew Member

Columbus, MS · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Would you like to work under the best Executives Chefs in the area and learn valuable culinary skills? * Are you the type person that enjoys working at a fast pace with a group, while following ...

Cook / BOH Crew Member

Starkville, MS · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Would you like to work under the best Executives Chefs in the area and learn valuable culinary skills? * Are you the type person that enjoys working at a fast pace with a group, while following ...

Cook / BOH Crew Member

Columbus, MS · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Would you like to work under the best Executives Chefs in the area and learn valuable culinary skills? * Are you the type person that enjoys working at a fast pace with a group, while following ...

Hotel Cook

Starkville, MS · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Hotel Cook We are looking for a professional cook to prepare food to the exact chef's specifications and brand standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer ...

Hotel Cook

Columbus, MS · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Hotel Cook We are looking for a professional cook to prepare food to the exact chef's specifications and brand standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer ...

Microbiology Tutor

Starkville, MS · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Familiar with undergraduate microbiology curricula and common challenges such as distinguishing bacterial from viral infections, understanding immune cell functions, and applying Koch postulates.

Showing results 21-40

Chef information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Columbus, MS?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,057 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Cook / BOH / Team Member

Bulldog Burger Company - University Dr.

Starkville, MS • On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Cook is responsible for daily kitchen operations and assists with ordering food and keeping inventory.
Cook is generally offered as full time or part time restaurant job.

Requirements/Responsibilities

Cook Requirements / Responsibilities:
• Would you like to work under the best Executives Chefs in the area and learn valuable culinary skills?
• Are you the type person that enjoys working at a fast pace with a group, while following instructions?
• Do you understand the importance of following recipes and being consistent?
• Do you take pride in your job and the products you produce?
If the answers to the questions above are “Yes”, then you belong on our Team!
Benefits:
• Opportunities to Advance – over 80% of our Management and Corporate Staff started as a Team Member
• First review after 90 days, then annually
• Retirement Plan / 401K
• Paid Vacation
• Flexible Schedules
• Meal Discounts
• Voluntary Insurance Options
Cook is generally offered as full time or part time restaurant job.

Special Instructions

Please do not send any emails, resumes, or call.
We are making it really easy to apply for this position.
Simply submit a ZippyApp application package which may include the Common Employment Application, Resume, and a Cover Letter. In your Cover Letter, please write a short paragraph describing yourself and why you would make a great addition to our team.

ZippyApp is the Common Employment Application for online and mobile that allows you to apply for jobs with one click, and is being accepted at a growing number of businesses each day.