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Chef Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

ELDRIDGE HOTEL PARTNERS LLC

Sous Chef

Lawrence, KS

$44K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef will be second in command in our kitchen, following our Head Chef's specifications and guidelines. Sous Chef will employ its culinary and managerial skills in order to play a critical role ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. At Upper Crust Food Service, YOU are the crucial ingredient for providing fresh ...

Earth Fare - Careers Page

Sous Chef

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for leading the members of the kitchen staff and ensuring quality of food items. The Sous Chef represents the hotel to all guests, coordinating guest needs with other ...

Hulsing Hotels/ Earth Fare / Accucare

Sous Chef

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for leading the members of the kitchen staff and ensuring quality of food items. The Sous Chef represents the hotel to all guests, coordinating guest needs with other ...

ELDRIDGE HOTEL PARTNERS LLC

Head Chef

Lawrence, KS · On-site

Head Chef The Eldridge Hotel is looking for a new Head Chef. The Head Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations for the hotel restaurant while supporting banquet, restaurant, and any ...

New

Q39 LLC INC

Sous Chef

Lawrence, KS · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for maintaining exceptional food quality and cleanliness, ensuring adherence to Q39 recipes, procedures, and health standards. Leads and trains all back-of-house teams ...

Compass Group

CHEF

Topeka, KS · On-site

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time CHEF position. * Location : Mars - 100 Mars Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66619 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

Eurest

CHEF (FULL TIME)

Topeka, KS · On-site

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time CHEF position. * Location : Mars - 100 Mars Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66619 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

Compass Group

CHEF (FULL TIME)

Topeka, KS · On-site

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time CHEF position. * Location : Mars - 100 Mars Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66619 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

Compass Group

CHEF (FULL TIME)

Topeka, KS

$22/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time CHEF position. * Location : Mars - 100 Mars Boulevard, Topeka, KS 66619 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule. Monday ...

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Chef information

See Topeka, KS salary details

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$23

$42

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Topeka, KS is $23.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $29.18 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 Topeka, KS? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Topeka, KS are:
What cities near Topeka, KS are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near Topeka, KS with the most Chef job openings:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Topeka, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,207 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Sous Chef

ELDRIDGE HOTEL PARTNERS LLC

Lawrence, KS

$44K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Sous Chef will be second in command in our kitchen, following our Head Chef’s specifications and guidelines.

Sous Chef will employ its culinary and managerial skills in order to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing our customers’ satisfaction.

This is a salaried position, salary commensurate with the experience of the applicant. Benefits include accrued PTO, health, dental, and vision insurance, and a simple IRA plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fill in for the Head Chef in planning and directing food preparation when necessary.

Ensure that the kitchen operates in a timely way that meets our quality standards

Taking charge of kitchen opening, closing and other side duties as directed by the Head Chef

Verifying that BOH Team Members follow all recipes, properly weigh prepped items, record production numbers for items, and portion servings correctly

Comply with and enforce sanitation regulations and safety standards

Effectively manage the kitchen staff, motivate them and assign duties fairly

Familiarity with the best practices in the hotel and catering services industry

Knowledge of health and safety standards and that hygiene standards are exceeded

Maintaining the quality of food preparation and presentation through active participation in all aspects from planning to plating. Ensuring all products are prepared in a consistent manner and meets departmental appearance/quality standards.

Food cost control and inventory. Provide monthly inventory on 1st day of month. Review with Head Chef and email to the General Manager.

Order all food for restaurant and catering events as well as hotel items (ie bottled water, toilet paper). If you can’t eat it, let the Head Chef know what you need and we will order from another vendor.

Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers.

Applicants should have at least 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef, Culinary related certificate or food service management at a busy restaurant or hotel kitchen.

Ability to work evening hours, weekends, and holidays

Ability to multitask and work quickly under pressure

Ability to foster teamwork

Knowledge of health and safety standards

Understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures

Excellent record of kitchen and staff management

Accuracy and speed in handling emergency situations and providing solutions

Advanced verbal and written communication skills

Familiar with industry's best practices

Working knowledge of various computer software programs (MS 365 Office, restaurant management software, POS)

Apply