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Chef Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Food Service - Sous Chef at the Henry Vilas Zoo

Madison, WI · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef Reports to: Executive Chef Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain ...

EH&S Manager

Janesville, WI · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partners with site leadership to influence all team members to embrace and achieve our Path to Zero Safety Strategy consistent with Koch's Safety Vision. * Partners with site leadership to ensure ...

Training Manager

Janesville, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring ...

Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role works closely with the chefs and kitchen team to oversee expo operations, maintain sanitation standards, assist with food preparation for events and parties, manage inventory and ordering ...

Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager

Waunakee, WI · On-site

$65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Waunakee Chef Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Position Summary Buck & Honey's Waunakee is seeking a hands-on, organized, and driven Kitchen Manager to help lead daily kitchen operations and support ...

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF - STUDENT ATHLETE DINING

Madison, WI · On-site

$65K - $83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary As an Executive Sous Chef with Levy, it will be your primary responsibility to execute cuisine that exceeds guest expectations and provide strong leadership while delivering cost goals ...

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF - STUDENT ATHLETE DINING

Madison, WI · On-site

$65K - $83K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary As an Executive Sous Chef with Levy, it will be your primary responsibility to execute cuisine that exceeds guest expectations and provide strong leadership while delivering cost goals ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Janesville, WI · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Janesville, WI · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring ...

Production Lead

Janesville, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience conducting root-cause-analysis 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$24

$45

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Madison, WI is $24.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $31.25 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 Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Madison, WI?

For Chef jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,623 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Dedicated CDL-A Truck Driver - $6,000 Sign-On

Koch Trucking

Spring Valley, WI • On-site

$95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Hiring CDL-A Truck Drivers
  • PAY THAT ADDS UP - Earn up to $95,000 per year*
  • HOME TIME THAT WORKS - Weekly home time on dedicated routes
  • GET PAID TO GET STARTED - $5K sign-on bonus + $1K orientation pay available*
Why Drive for Koch Trucking?

At Koch Trucking, drivers are the foundation of the business. As a family-owned company since 1978, Koch has built its reputation on respect, safety, and taking care of the people who keep freight moving. If you're looking for a dedicated route with consistent freight, familiar roads, and a company that treats you like a professional, Koch Trucking is worth a serious look.

CDL-A Dedicated Truck Driver Overview
  • Pay built to add up. Earn up to $95,000 per year, with a base pay of 63-70CPM depending on location - plus drop & stop pay that adds an average of $10,000 more each year.*
  • Get paid to get started. Earn a $5,000 hiring bonus, paid out monthly across your first year, giving you extra cash as you settle in, as well as a $1,000 orientation pay at first dispatch.*
  • Home time you can plan around. Run dedicated routes with weekly home time, giving you consistent freight and familiar customers without sacrificing time at home.
  • Freight that keeps you rolling. Run 100% no-touch freight on dedicated routes, keeping your week productive and predictable.
  • Modern trucks built for comfort. Drive late-model Volvo 860 and Freightliner Cascadia trucks - averaging just 16 months old - equipped with refrigerators, leather interior, double bunks, double curtain wrap, and built-in inverters.
  • Start strong in style. Enjoy all-expenses-paid orientation at a luxury hotel in Roseville, MN or Appling, GA.
Benefits & Perks
  • Benefits that back you up. Get medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, plus PTO starting on day one, three floating holidays, and a 401(k) with company match.
  • Perks that make the road easier. Stay connected with a free iPad and data package, bring your pet or a rider along, and count on 24/7/365 roadside assistance whenever you need it.
  • Refer a friend, earn $3,000. Know a great driver? Earn a $3,000 referral bonus for every qualified hire.
  • Comfort between loads. Use the Rolling Strong driver app and fully stocked drivers lounges with everything from toiletries to hot food, plus weekly pay you can count on.

All pay and bonus amounts may vary by job type, location, experience level, and performance and are subject to change based on company discretion. Talk with a recruiter to confirm specific details.

There is no deadline to apply. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Driver Requirements
  • Valid CDL A license
  • 1+ years of verifiable tractor-trailer experience

Koch Trucking logo

About Koch Trucking

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Koch Trucking is five divisions strong with plenty of opportunity for growth within our family: Dedicated, Super Regional, Marine, Flatbed and Specialized. Experienced company drivers, owner-operators, military veterans, and women are encouraged to apply.

Industry

Trucking

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1978

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