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Chef Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Courthouse Club Fitness

Performance Chef

Salem, OR · On-site

Performance Chef Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Senior Director of Nutrition Position Overview The Performance Chef serves as the culinary leader of the Nutrition division and is responsible for ...

Courthouse Club Fitness

Performance Chef

Salem, OR · On-site

Performance Chef Job Type: Full-Time Reports To: Senior Director of Nutrition Position Overview The Performance Chef serves as the culinary leader of the Nutrition division and is responsible for ...

Bonaventure Senior Living

Traveling Sous Chef

Salem, OR · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Bonaventure is Seeking a Traveling Sous Chef At Bonaventure Senior Living, our Traveling Sous Chef plays a vital role in overseeing the culinary staff and leading our dining services department. In ...

Allison Inn & Spa

Executive Chef

Newberg, OR · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Duties and Responsibilities The Executive Chef is responsible for all culinary activities for the restaurant, banquets, room service, spa food and off-site events. This position will oversee all ...

Allison Inn & Spa

Executive Chef

Newberg, OR · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Duties and Responsibilities The Executive Chef is responsible for all culinary activities for the restaurant, banquets, room service, spa food and off-site events. This position will oversee all ...

Bridgeway Community Health - Jobs

Line Chef

Salem, OR · On-site

$24.27 - $28.13/hr

Bridgeway Community Health is currently seeking qualified Line Chef to join our expanding culinary team! Come join our elite team of professionals who all have a passion for seeing lives changed and ...

Ready Chef Llc

Prep Cook

Keizer, OR · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The successful candidate will assist the Head Chef in preparing ingredients, cooking and par-cooking dishes, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. Responsibilities: * Completing all tasks on ...

Ready Chef Llc

Prep Cook

Keizer, OR · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

The successful candidate will assist the Head Chef in preparing ingredients, cooking and par-cooking dishes, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. Responsibilities: * Completing all tasks on ...

Bridgeway Community Health - Jobs

Line Chef

Salem, OR · On-site

$24.27 - $28.13/hr

Primary PurposePrepares and cooks individual menu items for volume dining. under the leadership of the Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesCoordinates and prepares breakfast, lunch ...

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Chef information

See Salem, OR salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Salem, OR is $24.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $31.15 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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The most popular types of Chef jobs in Salem, OR are:

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For Chef jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Salem, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,483 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Traveling Sous Chef/Executive Chef

Bonaventure Senior Living

Salem, OR • On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Bonaventure Senior Living rating

3.8

Company rating: 3.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 245 rated social care providers

Job description

Bonaventure is Seeking a Traveling Sous Chef / Executive Chef

At Bonaventure Senior Living, the Traveling Sous Chef / Executive Chef plays a vital role in overseeing the culinary staff and leading our dining services department. In this dynamic position you will travel amongst senior living communities and be responsible for event planning, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation, and ensuring that all meals are prepared in accordance with health and safety regulations. Additionally, you will continually work to enhance the dining experience within our communities.

Top reasons to work at Bonaventure
  • Highly Competitive Wage
  • Health Benefits - Medical and dental coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account - For healthcare and daycare expenses
  • Retirement Plans - 401k matching program
  • Stable Hours - Consistent schedule with no night shifts
  • 6 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off - Up to 10 days of paid time off annually
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel
What Will You Be Doing?

The Traveling Sous Chef / Executive Chef is a crucial part of our dining services team, which is integral to our mission of delivering exceptional dining experiences. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Overseeing kitchen and wait staff while managing budget and inventory.
  • Recruiting and maintaining kitchen staff.
  • Leading and inspiring excellent customer service for residents.
  • Ensuring meals are served with an appetizing and attractive presentation.
  • Creating and maintaining the schedule for the dining services team.
  • Maintaining a clean and organized kitchen and dining room.
  • Planning and directing all food preparation and service in accordance with Bonaventure Senior Living standards.
  • Adhering to all state and federal regulations for long-term care communities.
  • Handling event planning for special events.
  • Collaborating with health services to provide dining support for residents who require it, such as mitigating weight loss or addressing specific dietary needs.
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience managing dining services in restaurants, banquets, or long-term care settings.
  • Experience managing budgets.
  • Proficiency in reading and writing English.
  • Must pass a criminal background check and drug test.
  • Culinary school diploma or bachelor’s degree in hospitality.
  • Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office and ordering software.
  • Must be over the age of 21.
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What Bonaventure Senior Living employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Bonaventure Senior Living

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Bonaventure Senior Living, headquartered in Salem, OR, US, is a prestigious name in the senior living industry. As indicated on their website, bonaventuresenior.com, the company primarily focuses on providing high-quality assisted living, independent living, and memory care services for seniors. Founded with the goal of creating exceptional senior and retirement homes, Bonaventure has marked its distinctive presence in the sector by providing robust, reliable, and high-quality service to seniors. With their mission to "provide an exceptional senior lifestyle through a dedicated and compassionate team, innovative communities and enriched services that promote dignity, choice and independence," Bonaventure is driven by compassion, selflessness, and a genuine desire to enhance the lives of seniors. They have experts who provide seniors with an individualized level of care according to their respective needs.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Salem, OR, US

Year founded

1999

Social media

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