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Chef Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Working alongside our Executive Chef we are looking for the right candidate who wants to come to work excited and ready to execute whatever task is needed to be completed for the day.

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL

$73K - $101K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of the restaurant's kitchen. The role requires a wide range of skills from designing and developing satisfactory menus to managing ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $120/hr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of the restaurant's kitchen. The role requires a wide range of skills from designing and developing satisfactory menus to managing ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95 - $140/hr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of the restaurant's kitchen. The role requires a wide range of skills from designing and developing satisfactory menus to managing ...

New

Executive Chef

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for managing the culinary and kitchen operations staff, and the overall compliance with HACCP, Food Safety and ACES specifications associated with Air ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary team. In this role, you will help create world-class guest experiences while driving the success of ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

We're seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef to help us craft unforgettable dining experiences at this landmark location! Benefits & Perks: Health, Dental, and Voluntary Benefits Package ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

In this role, you'll work directly under the Head Chef to ensure seamless daily service, manage shift inventory, and enforce strict safety standards. You will serve as an executing leader and ...

Sushi Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Sushi Chef - Roka Akor Oak Brook Roka Akor Oak Brook is seeking an experienced Sushi Chef to join our culinary team. Roka Akor is a contemporary Japanese restaurant known for premium sushi and ...

CHEF de CUISINE! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Chef de Cuisine with 2 years of Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities.

New

The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and safety are met. This position requires creativity and ...

Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

We are seeking a talented and motivated Chef to lead our Back of House (BOH) operations and drive culinary excellence. Responsibilities: * Oversee daily BOH operations, including food preparation ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary team. In this role, you will help create world-class guest experiences while driving the success of ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary team. In this role, you will help create world-class guest experiences while driving the success of ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary team. In this role, you will help create world-class guest experiences while driving the success of ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

The Sous Chef will play a crucial role in assisting the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation. The ideal ...

Sous Chef

Highwood, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

SOUS CHEF REPORTS TO: CHEF DE CUISINE TYPE: FULL TIME POSITION SUMMARY: The Sous Chef will be an assistant to the Sous Chef and Chef de Cuisine. They will ensure that all BOH processes and health ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

The restaurant is known for its chef-driven menu, high standards of execution, and commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience through quality ingredients, consistency, and hospitality.

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

SOUS CHEF We are recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team! Serious inquiries only, please. Sous Chef Position Requirements: Full Essential Responsibilities: * Be available to fill in as needed to ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Chef jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Chef job openings:

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.

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Purple Pig Mag Mile is looking for a Sous Chef to join our team!  Working alongside our Executive Chef we are looking for the right candidate who wants to come to work excited and ready to execute whatever task is needed to be completed for the day.
Responsibilities 
- Lead and support daily kitchen operations alongside the Executive Chef
- Ability to expedite busy services in a calm and organized fashion
- Ability to learn, cook, and execute menu items on all stations
- Train, coach, and develop cooks to the standard of our restaurant
- Ensure every dish is executed with consistency, quality, and attention to detail
- Assist with menu development, seasonal features, and recipe execution
- Assist food ordering, inventory, scheduling, and food cost
- Attention on improving food cost and labor cost
- Focus on Safety and health regulations
- Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen
- Properly execute nightly closing procedures
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED graduate
- ServSafe Management for City of Chicago Certification required
- Ability to stay calm during stressful situations
- Willingness to maintain a clean, healthy, and safe working environment
- Ability to coordinate multiple activities with attention to detail
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- 2 years previous Sous Chef experience in a high volume setting
- Must have open availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays; schedule subject to modification and/or approval by the Executive Chef and Culinary Director
- Bilingual is a plus but not required
- Ability to stand for up to 8-10 hours a day
- Ability to be flexible with job demands based on what is needed to complete daily tasks
- Ability to move or handle equipment throughout the restaurant generally weighing 50 or less pounds More detail about The Purple Pig part of The Purple Pig, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/911-The-Purple-Pig