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Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

ssagroup

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous 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 mission-focused. We bring ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Sous 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 mission-focused. We bring ...

Palmer Food Service

Corporate Executive Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Corporate Executive Chef is specifically accountable for CAB culinary demonstrations, customer education events, and menu consultation support. Program-level relationship management and marketing ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous 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 mission-focused. We bring ...

Delaware North

Sous Chef, KeyBank Center

Rochester, NY

$62K - $66K/yr

In this role, you will support the Executive Chef in overseeing high-volume kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, and leading and developing the culinary team. If you bring strong ...

Delaware North

Sous Chef, KeyBank Center

Rochester, NY

$62K - $66K/yr

In this role, you will support the Executive Chef in overseeing high-volume kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, and leading and developing the culinary team. If you bring strong ...

Delaware North

Sous Chef, KeyBank Center

Rochester, NY

$62K - $66K/yr

In this role, you will support the Executive Chef in overseeing high-volume kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, and leading and developing the culinary team. If you bring strong ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Sushi Trainee

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

You will work alongside experienced sushi chefs, learning traditional techniques and perfecting your craft in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Sushi Trainee

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

You will work alongside experienced sushi chefs, learning traditional techniques and perfecting your craft in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Sushi Cook

Webster, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

You will work alongside experienced sushi chefs, learning traditional techniques and perfecting your craft in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Responsibilities: * Prepare ingredients ...

Farmhouse Table LLC

Banquet Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Banquet Chef will be the representative of Farmhouse Table Food at events, championing our brand identity, values, and mission while offering an exceptional experience for clients at events. The ...

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Chef information

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Rochester, NY is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is a chef's salary?

The average salary for a chef varies depending on experience, location, and establishment type, but typically ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 annually. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $80,000 per year.

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 Is a Chef?

A chef is a highly trained culinary professional who works as the chief cook in the kitchen of a restaurant. Many chefs earn a culinary degree and are formally trained by another accomplished chef, making them very skilled and competent in their craft. A chef spends a majority of their time in the kitchen cooking and directing other food preparers on the best ways to put together dishes, including appropriate garnish and presentation. Chefs are creative professionals, and are often involved in planning and making menus for the restaurant. Because chefs work as the head cooks in the kitchen, they are the supervisors of the other kitchen workers. In addition to overseeing food preparation, chefs coach and develop the other kitchen staff and help them grow and improve their skills. They are responsible for managing the logistics of the kitchen operations. They order necessary supplies, provide cost estimates to their employer, and monitor staff requirements and schedules.

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 is the highest paying job as a chef?

Executive chefs, especially those managing large or high-end establishments, tend to have the highest salaries among chefs, with some earning over $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs in luxury hotels and resorts often command higher pay due to experience, reputation, and leadership responsibilities.

What other jobs can I do as a chef?

Chefs can transition into roles such as restaurant managers, food service directors, culinary instructors, food critics, or catering managers. These positions often require similar skills in food preparation, management, and customer service, and may benefit from certifications like ServSafe or culinary degrees.

What are some 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.

Is chef high salary?

Chefs can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Executive chefs and those working in high-end restaurants or hotels tend to have higher salaries, often supplemented with tips and bonuses. Entry-level chefs typically earn less, while specialized skills and certifications can lead to increased earnings.
More about Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Rochester, NY? For Chef jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Chef job openings:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,542 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
Division Executive Chef (Education)

Division Executive Chef (Education)

AVI Foodsystems, Inc

Syracuse, NY

$70K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

AVI Foodsystems rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 67 rated caterers

Job description

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic leader to fill the role of Division Executive Chef, Full-Time, supporting our Education Division.

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Provide culinary leadership and operational support to accounts throughout the Education Division
  • Travel regularly to support new account openings, training initiatives, operational transitions, and ongoing culinary excellence
  • Partner with district and regional leadership teams to ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, execution, and service standards
  • Develop and implement innovative menus, recipes, and culinary programs that align with AVI Foodsystems standards and client expectations
  • Train, mentor, and develop chefs, cooks, and culinary team members across multiple locations
  • Conduct on-site evaluations to ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, merchandising, and operational procedures
  • Assist locations with inventory management, ordering practices, food cost controls, labor management, and waste reduction initiatives
  • Support recruiting, onboarding, and culinary training efforts for new and existing team members
  • Lead and support special events, catering programs, and promotional initiatives within the division
  • Collaborate with operations leadership to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhanced guest satisfaction
  • Ensure all culinary operations comply with company policies, safety regulations, and sanitation standards
  • Serve as a culinary resource and problem solver for operational challenges throughout the division

Requirements:

  • Executive Chef experience managing high-volume food service operations
  • Multi-unit, campus dining, or education food service experience preferred
  • Culinary degree or certification preferred
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
  • Experience managing food costs, labor costs, inventory, and purchasing procedures
  • Creativity and passion for developing innovative and high-quality food programs
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time-management abilities
  • Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence
  • Professional appearance and demeanor
  • Ability to build strong relationships with clients, operators, and team members
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the division
  • Valid drivers license required
  • Ideal candidate will reside in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, or New York

Benefits:

  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE

What AVI Foodsystems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

AVI Foodsystems logo

About AVI Foodsystems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Warren, OH, US

Year founded

1960

Social media

Twitter

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