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Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Ascent Hospitality

Executive Chef Marriott

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring excellence in all aspects of food service throughout the hotel by developing and executing high-quality innovative menus, managing and teaching culinary ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$60K - $77K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL

$60K - $77K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

Valor Hospitality Partners

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Menu and events : Assist the executive chef with menu development and implementation; coordinate culinary offerings for special events, banquets, and catering. * Communication and collaboration

Koch Industries

Account Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range ...

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Chef information

See Decatur, AL salary details

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$23

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Decatur, AL is $23.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $29.09 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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What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Decatur, AL?

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What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Chef job openings:

Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,021 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Executive Chef Marriott

Ascent Hospitality

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Ascent Hospitality has an extensive portfolio of hotels and a strong pipeline of new properties and acquisitions, but we're not about numbers...we're about people and that remains our foundation. Our culture expresses a memorable experience for all of our Team Members and guests alike. So we're constantly looking for individuals who work well together for a unified purpose. For our leadership, we're looking for accomplished individuals with a passion to serve others, strong communicators who clearly understand the needs of others and trendsetters who excel at challenges and change. If this is what you're all about, consider joining our Team.
Ascent Hospitality is looking for a uniquely qualified hospitality leader to join our team as an Executive Chef!
The Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring excellence in all aspects of food service throughout the hotel by developing and executing high-quality innovative menus, managing and teaching culinary staff, and liaising with other Hotel departments, in addition to complying with all federal, state, and local regulations while meeting or exceeding financial goals.
BENEFITS:
  • Competitive Salary!
  • Benefits - Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and other supplemental options!
  • 401k with employer MATCH!
  • Paid PTO!
  • Uniforms Provided for most positions!
  • Team Member Hotel Discount Program!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Essential Functions are those tasks which are considered core to the success of this position. Other duties may be assigned in accordance with the needs of the business.
  • Supervise the preparation and presentation of all food items, ensuring that all items are prepared and presented to Ascent Hospitality standards of excellence.
  • Manage the culinary staff in order to retain and motivate employees; hire, schedule, train, develop, empower, coach, and counsel employees; conduct performance and salary reviews, resolve problems, provide open communications and recommend discipline and termination as appropriate in coordination with the Food and Beverage Director
  • Maintain sanitation standards in accordance with all brand standards as well as federal, state, and local regulations, throughout all Food and Beverage operations.
  • Ensure that all equipment is well maintained and remains functional.
  • Control food cost by inventory controls, purchasing wisely, pricing appropriately, portioning accurately, and limiting waste.
  • Monitor inventory to ensure that stock is rotated properly to avoid loss due to spoilage and ensure reusable items are returned to stock.
  • Schedule all kitchen employees in accordance with staffing guidelines and weekly forecast.
  • Practice safety standards and report all unsafe conditions to the proper person.
  • Review financial transactions and monitor budget to ensure efficient operation, and to ensure expenditures stay within budget limitations in coordination with the Property Food and Beverage Director and Hotel General Manager.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • 4+ years of kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant or hotel restaurant operation and at least one sous chef position.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to think creatively and enlist support of management, peers and employees for ideas.
  • Demonstrates teamwork and customer service focus.
  • High energy and positive demeanor.
  • Strong organizational, budgeting, scheduling and problem-solving skills.
  • Requires mathematical development sufficient to be able to: apply fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.
  • Proficiency with Word, Outlook, Excel; ability to learn Ascent Hospitality's systems/protocols
  • High level of professionalism and integrity; works comfortably in corporate setting
  • Outstanding interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
  • Valid drivers license or the ability to obtain one.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, handling of average-weight objects, up to 50 pounds, and standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
  • The employee may work in an office, outside, restaurant or kitchen environment.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
  • 4+ years of kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant or hotel restaurant operation and at least one sous chef position.
  • Must have excellent customer service skills.
  • Must obtain food Handler's Certificate within 30 days of hire.
  • Must obtain ServSafe certification within 30 days (if not certified).
  • Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Must be able to lead and motivate a team.

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