ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chef Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Allentown, PA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef Location: St. Luke's Health System, Allentown Campus Now seeking an experienced Chef with a solid background in Institutional Dining that includes Cafe operations, Retail, and Catering.

Elior North America

Chef Manager

Leesport, PA · On-site

Chef Manager Job Reference Number: 40330 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Healthcare Brand: Cura-Hospitality Location: Leesport , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We are looking ...

Elior North America

Chef Manager

Leesport, PA · On-site

Chef Manager Job Reference Number: 40330 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Healthcare Brand: Cura-Hospitality Location: Leesport , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We are looking ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Orwigsburg, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Fleetwood, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Kutztown, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Earlville, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Reading, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior North America

Sous Chef

Hamburg, PA

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Kempton, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Newmanstown, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Hamburg, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

New Tripoli, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Reading, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Bethel, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Sous Chef Job Reference Number: 38933 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Hamburg , Pennsylvania (US-PA) The Role at a glance: We ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChef JobsChef Jobs in Reading, PA

Chef information

See Reading, PA salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Reading, PA is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $29.76 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 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.

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.
More about Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Reading, PA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Reading, PA are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Reading, PA? For Chef jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Chef job openings:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,194 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Executive Chef

Metz Culinary Management

Allentown, PA • On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Metz Culinary Management rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Position Title: Executive Chef
Location: St. Luke's Health System, Allentown Campus
Now seeking an experienced Chef with a solid background in Institutional Dining that includes Cafe operations, Retail, and Catering. Additional experience in a healthcare setting that includes patient/resident dining services is a very strong plus. Enjoy a work/life balance working a daylight schedule with flexibility.
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion for Food, Service and AMAZING Presentations.
Our Executive Chef must have a mentoring management style creating a culture of fun, creativity and growth. If you have the CULINARY CHOPS and passion for current, trending and diverse menus, and are ready to hit the ground running in a fast paced, high volume setting, we would like to hear from you! Must have Executive and/or Sous Chef experience in preferably an institution style, multi-outlet setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining setting.
Requirements:
  • 3-5+Plus Years in a Supervisory Experience as Sous Chef or Executive Chef
  • High Volume background
  • Institutional facility or multi-outlet experience preferred
  • Impeccable communication Skills
  • Strong Restaurant Management knowledge
  • Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with STUNNING presentation ideas
  • Strong Catering Experience
  • Culinary Degree strongly preferred

Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.

What Metz Culinary Management employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply