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Chef Jobs in La Crosse, WI (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

La Crosse, WI · On-site

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

The Restaurant Zone

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Sous Chef | Scratch Kitchen

Winona, MN · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

A well established restaurant in Pepin, WI is looking for an experienced Sous Chef to help lead daily kitchen operations and support a talented culinary team. This is a hands on opportunity for a ...

Red Pines Bar and Grill

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Creative Cook/Chef

Onalaska, WI · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Looking for an experienced Full-time Line Cook/Creative Chef to join our Red Pine's Team. Must have "sense of urgency" and ability to work in fast-paced environment. Day or Evening hours available ...

LSL ALF LLC

Chef/Cook- Urbana Place

Winona, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

... Chef/Cook becomes family and impacts the lives of our residents who live in a Lifespark Senior Living Community.  In this position, you will be responsible for preparing food in accordance with ...

New

Lifespark Holdings, Inc.

Chef/Cook- Urbana Place

Winona, MN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Our Chef/Cook becomes family and impacts the lives of our residents who live in a Lifespark Senior Living Community. In this position, you will be responsible for preparing food in accordance with ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Winona, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

La Crosse, WI

$17 - $21.50/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Winona, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related items that are produced in the galley in accordance with the menu matrix as well as any special requests ...

Cornerstone Management

Cook

Holmen, WI

$13 - $17.50/hr

Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any issues to the Chef Supervisor. * Support and direct Wait Staff as needed; assist with training and scheduling. * Ensure compliance with state food ...

Cornerstone Management

Cook

Holmen, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any issues to the Chef Supervisor. * Support and direct Wait Staff as needed; assist with training and scheduling. * Ensure compliance with state food ...

Cornerstone Management

Cook

Holmen, WI

$13 - $17.50/hr

Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any issues to the Chef Supervisor. * Support and direct Wait Staff as needed; assist with training and scheduling. * Ensure compliance with state food ...

Cornerstone Management

Cook

Holmen, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Operate kitchen equipment safely and report any issues to the Chef Supervisor. * Support and direct Wait Staff as needed; assist with training and scheduling. * Ensure compliance with state food ...

Taher, Inc.

Food Service Worker

Houston, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Join our team as a food service aide and help make a difference in our guests lives with fresh, chef-created, and prepared food. Be a lunch SUPERHERO working with a team of professionals to bring ...

American Cruise Lines

Line Cook

La Crosse, WI

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view. At American Cruise Lines, we ...

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Chef information

See La Crosse, WI salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in La Crosse, WI is $24.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $30.43 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 La Crosse, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,288 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Pastry Chef

American Cruise Lines

La Crosse, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Pastry Chef
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Pastry Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America’s rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.
The Pastry Chef should have the culinary expertise and experience to make a wide variety of desserts and baked goods, including confectionary work. They must be able to understand and appreciate the subtleties of flavor pairings and different tastes, as well as have a good aesthetic sense for food and pastry presentation. This position is responsible for adhering to the daily menu matrix consisting of desserts, pastries, breads and other duties assigned by the Executive Chef. The Pastry Chef must be creative and continually researching and testing new and different dessert and baking recipes to ensure that each guest and crew have an exceptional dining experience. While living onboard, our chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Oversee creativity and prepare all desserts, bread, pastries, cookies, etc. required for vessel each day.
  • Prepare and serve items in accordance with established procedures, recipes, portion size, and presentation standards.
  • Set-up, maintain, and breaks down station according to FDA Standards.
  • Taste all products produced to assess quality.
  • Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues.
  • Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and food prepared.
  • Schedule the production of all baked goods.
  • Always maintain an inventory of fresh baked goods.
  • Use food production equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
  • Ensure that each guest has a positive and memorable experience.
Qualifications:
  • An Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or pastry amp; baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an emphasis on quality production.
  • Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food amp; beverage knowledge.
  • Problem solving skills, organization skills, and self-motivation.
  • Commitment to quality service.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Must complete a criminal background check.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6-8 weeks working with 2 weeks of unpaid vacation.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to adapt and adjust daily to last-minute requests or changes.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a team environment.
  • Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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