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Chef Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

New York, NY

$70K - $85K/yr

M/D/V, PTO Popular NYC Restaurant Group seeks a Sous Chef - Location TBD Qualifications * Minimum 3 years as a Sous Chef in a comparable restaurant handling at least 400 covers daily . * Experience ...

The Chef Agency

Sous Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$70/day

M/D/V, PTO Popular NYC Restaurant Group seeks a Sous Chef - Location TBD Qualifications * Minimum 3 years as a Sous Chef in a comparable restaurant handling at least 400 covers daily . * Experience ...

The Chef Agency

Chef De Cuisine

New York, NY · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Chef De Cuisine Location: NYC Salary: $110k-$120k Benefits: M/V/D + bonus, PTO Popular Restaurant looking to hire a Chef De Cuisine with Pizza and Baking experience. RESPONSIBILITIES * Partner with ...

The Chef Agency

Sous Chef - Queens

New York, NY · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

N/A Upscale, high-volume restaurant is seeking a Sous Chef! Qualifications: * 2+ years of Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager experience * Full-service experience * Experience with events 200ppl + ideal ...

the Chef Agency

Chef De Cuisine

New York, NY

$120K - $125K/yr

Chef De Cuisine Location: NYC Salary: $110k-$120k Benefits: M/V/D + bonus, PTO Popular Restaurant looking to hire a Chef De Cuisine with Pizza and Baking experience. RESPONSIBILITIES * Partner with ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef - Queens

Breezy Point, NY · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

N/A Upscale, high-volume restaurant is seeking a Sous Chef! Qualifications: * 2+ years of Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager experience * Full-service experience * Experience with events 200ppl + ideal ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef - Mediterranean

New York, NY

$90K - $120K/yr

PTO Head Chef needed for a Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Midtown NYC! Requirements: * -4+ years of Exec Chef/CDC experience at Mediterranean restaurants -Previous experience managing 400 ...

The Chef Agency

Head Chef - Mediterranean

New York, NY · On-site

$90 - $120K/hr

PTO Head Chef needed for a Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Midtown NYC! Requirements: * -4+ years of Exec Chef/CDC experience at Mediterranean restaurants -Previous experience managing 400 ...

The Chef Agency

Sous Chef, Luxury Hotel

New York, NY · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

Minimum 2 years experience as a sous chef in a luxury / fine dining setting * Strong knowledge of culinary operations, including food preparation, inventory management, cost control, and kitchen ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef, Luxury Hotel

New York, NY

$75K - $80K/yr

Minimum 2 years experience as a sous chef in a luxury / fine dining setting * Strong knowledge of culinary operations, including food preparation, inventory management, cost control, and kitchen ...

The Chef Agency

Chef De Cuisine

New York, NY · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or similar high-volume role * Strong leadership and team management skills * Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef - New York

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

M/D/V, PTO A high-profile luxury hospitality group is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the opening of a new flagship restaurant in New York City. This concept blends elevated dining with high-energy ...

The Chef Agency

Banquet Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$65/day

Tenure: Consistent tenure averaging 1.5 years or longer; prior experience as a banquet chef required. Requirements: * Proven ability to manage high-volume events exceeding $5M in annual revenue ...

the Chef Agency

Banquet Chef

New York, NY

$65K - $75K/yr

Tenure: Consistent tenure averaging 1.5 years or longer; prior experience as a banquet chef required. Requirements: * Proven ability to manage high-volume events exceeding $5M in annual revenue ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Sous Chef

New York, NY

$100K - $110K/yr

Proven experience as a Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or similar high-volume role * Strong leadership and team management skills * Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

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All JobsChef JobsChef Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Chef information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$10

$25

$45

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Rutherford, NJ is $25.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $31.63 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 Rutherford, NJ? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Chef job openings:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,220 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Sous Chef

Sous Chef

the Chef Agency

New York, NY

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Location: New York, NY
Salary: $70-85k
Benefits: M/D/V, PTO
Popular NYC Restaurant Group seeks a Sous Chef - Location TBD
Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years as a Sous Chef in a comparable restaurant handling at least 400 covers daily.
  • Experience in:
    • Active involvement in menu development (creating seasonal menus).
    • Ordering and payroll management.
    • Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
    • Hands-on work, willingness to learn all stations.
    • Proactive leadership during service.
    • Exceptional knife skills - all fabrication is done in-house.
    • Working in a chef-driven restaurant with strong culinary leadership.
PERSONALITY TRAITS
  • Common sense and strong problem-solving skills.
  • Leadership capabilities - ability to train and mentor the team.
  • Go-getter attitude, with a passion for the craft and service.
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About Chef Agency

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Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

Social media

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