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Chef Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $73K/yr

Chicago, IL Salary: $65k-73k Benefits: M/D/V, PTO, Bonus Chef driven restaurant looking for a sous chef to join their team as part of the closing shift. Qualifications: -3+ years of kitchen ...

the Chef Agency

PM Sous Chef, Luxury Hotel

Chicago, IL

$75K - $80K/yr

Qualifications * minimum 3 years as a sous chef / kitchen management * minimum 3 years experience in a luxury hotel or fine dining restaurant * ServSafe Certification Responsibilities * Partner with ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Oakbrook, IL

Oak Brook, IL

$68K - $72K/yr

Qualifications: * 2+ years of Sous Chef or kitchen leadership experience * Experience in high-volume restaurants, country clubs, banquet operations, or corporate restaurant groups * Background with ...

UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Sous Chef Reports to: Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef Job Summary: Serve as "third-in-command" of the kitchen: assist the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in supervising food production ...

Sous | Chicago

Personal Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Sous is an in-home personal chef marketplace, connecting chefs with clients for weekly meal prep and special occasions. Our website is www.sous.so Chefs set their own prices and hours, and serve ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$67K - $84K/yr

The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and/or Executive Sous Chef to create, implement and maintain quality standards. In some instances, the ...

Apolonia

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $65K/yr

Apolonia Restaurant, Chef Stephen Gillanders' (of S.K.Y.) second concept in the South Loop and one of Chicago's most anticipated restaurant openings of 2021, is looking for a Sous Chef to join its ...

Juniper Modern American

Sous Chef

Highwood, IL

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Highwood, IL | Full-Time Join the Team at Juniper Juniper is a new Modern American restaurant with a dedicated sushi program in the heart of Highwood, led by Executive Chef Todd Stein ...

Lettuce Escape

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Overview Shaw's Chicago is now Hiring an EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 2 years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits ...

New

Beatrix

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Overview Beatrix Oakbrook is now hiring an EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 2 years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with ...

Beatrix

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Overview Beatrix Oakbrook is now hiring an EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 2 years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with ...

S.K.Y. Restaurant

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Led by Chef Stephen Gillanders, S.K.Y. is the flagship concept of SMG Restaurants, known for globally inspired cuisine, refined technique, and warm, approachable hospitality. Located in the historic ...

Arrow Technologies

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include: * Helping in the preparation and design of all food and drinks menus * Producing high quality plates both design and taste wise * Ensuring that the kitchen ...

Air-Culinaire-Worldwide

Executive Chef

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Executive Chef Full Time US ACW Management Park Ridge, IL, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 3976 Salary Range: $80,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for managing ...

Arrow Technologies, Inc

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef responsibilities include: * Helping in the preparation and design of all food and drinks menus * Producing high quality plates both design and taste wise * Ensuring that the kitchen ...

Hatty's Club | The Market by Hatty's

Sous Chef

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Reports to: Executive Chef Summary of Position: A Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation, and ...

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Chef information

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Elgin, IL is $24.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $30.67 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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Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,636 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Sous Chef

the Chef Agency

Chicago, IL

$65K - $73K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: $65k-73k
Benefits: M/D/V, PTO, Bonus
Chef driven restaurant looking for a sous chef to join their team as part of the closing shift.
Qualifications:
-3+ years of kitchen management experience at high volume  restaurants
-Passionate about hospitality and career growth
-Local candidates
Japanese experience preferred not necessary
Responsibilities:
-Oversee BOH operation of 20+ employees
-Ensure successful daily operation
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About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

Social media

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