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Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Description Responsibilities: * Prepare and execute banquet menus according to BEOs and guest expectations * Maintain food quality, portion control, and presentation standards * Manage inventory ...

Responsibilities: * Prepare and execute banquet menus according to BEOs and guest expectations * Maintain food quality, portion control, and presentation standards * Manage inventory, ordering, and ...

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Line Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Prep Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$16/hr

Following prep lists created by chefs. Measuring ingredients and seasonings, and preparing cooking ingredients such as soup stock to be used in the cooking process. Preparing simple dishes, such as ...

Highly Skilled Lead Cook / Chef de Partie -Hiring Multiple Positions Are you looking for a fun and dynamic kitchen environment where your culinary skills can shine? Do you thrive in a loving team ...

Cocinero Principal altamente cualificado / Chef de Partie - Contratando múltiples puestos ¿Buscas un ambiente de cocina divertido y dinámico donde tus habilidades culinarias puedan brillar ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$9

$23

$41

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Decatur, AL are:

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

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

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.

Sous Chef-Food Services-FT

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Coordinates activities of and directs training of chefs, food production and other kitchen workers engaged in preparing and cooking foods to ensure a high quality, efficient and profitable food service.


Education & Experience: HS diploma/GED required, college degree preferred, not required. Will require 2 - 8 years’ supervisory experience.

Additional Skills/Abilities:

Ability to communicate (both verbal and written) effectively with clients, customers and support staff.  Ability to write letters, summaries and reports, using prescribed format and conform to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style.  Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistics.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Requires management and leadership skills in addition to good planning and organization skills.  Position requires the ability to work with confidential employee and client information. Must complete the following Huntsville Hospital classes through Corporate University within six months: Just Culture, Top Employment Traps for Managers, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People in Healthcare, Workplace Professionalism, Selecting the Right Employees, and Personal Style Indicator, A Leaders Guide to Worker’s Compensation.


Highlights of our hospitals

Huntsville Hospital was recently named Best Regional Hospital and #2 in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report. With 971 beds, a specialized Orthopedic & Spine Tower, a Level III Regional Neonatal ICU, and the largest Emergency Department and Level 1 Trauma Center in the state with our own specialized Red Shirt Trauma Program, there are many opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills. We are a certified Primary Stroke Center and named "One of the Top 100 Hospitals in the Nation with Great Heart Programs." From six cath labs and four EP labs to multiple medical and step-down units, you can continually grow your skillset! We offer a training center on campus for continuing education, Shared Governance Program, Clinical Ladder for professional development, The Daisy Award, and if  you are a new grad, a Nurse Residency Program to help you transition from student to professional nurse. We care about you and your well-being by offering an excellent benefits package, childcare, health and wellness programs, an onsite employee pharmacy, a free health clinic, tuition assistance, and much more. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are a partner to the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program. 
Ask us about incentives and additional opportunities.

Huntsville Hospital Benefits:

We are committed to providing competitive benefits. Our benefits package for eligible employees includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending; short term and long term disability; several retirement account options with 401K organization match; nurse residency program; tuition assistance; student loan reimbursement; On-site training and education opportunities; Employee Discounts to phone providers, local restaurants, tickets to shows, apartment application and much more!

 Learn more about Huntsville Hospital Health System:

  • Careershttps://careers.hhsys.org/careers-home
  • Benefits: https://careers.hhsys.org/us/en/benefits
  • Education & Professional Developmenthttps://www.huntsvillehospital.org/education
  • Life In Huntsvillehttps://www.huntsvillehospital.org/about-huntsville-al

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