ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chef Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

Compass Corporate

Chef Manager

Wakarusa, KS · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Chef Manager-Topeka, KS Salary: $65,000-$75,000/annually A family of companies and experiences As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people ...

Prairie Band Casino & Resort

Steakhouse Chef

Mayetta, KS · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Description $750 Hiring Bonus for new Team Members plus $50 in gas gift cards during our onboarding process. Prairie Band Casino & Resort offers an attractive benefits package including medical ...

Prairie Band Casino & Resort

Steakhouse Chef

Mayetta, KS

$57K - $78K/yr

$750 Hiring Bonus for new Team Members plus $50 in gas gift cards during our onboarding process. Prairie Band Casino & Resort offers an attractive benefits package including medical (casino pays over ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsChef JobsChef Jobs in Topeka, KS

Chef information

See Topeka, KS salary details

$8

$21

$39

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Topeka, KS is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $27.36 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.
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 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,153 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Sous Chef| Full-Time | University of Kansas Social Club

Spectra

Lawrence, KS • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Overview
The Sous Chef will actively supervise, coach, counsel, direct, train, and mentor employees in meeting company quality standards. The Sous Chef will actively and independently manage all aspects of employee relations to ensure a positive, harmonious, compliant, and cooperative work environment. This is a key position for the effective and profitable operation of the business. The employee must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work a variable event-driven schedule, which includes evenings and weekends. Open availability, professional presentation, outstanding interpersonal skills, self-direction, strong management, and independent decision-making skills are required.
This role pays an hourly rate of $22.00-$30.00
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)
This position will remain open until September 18, 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Supervises all line setup, prep, and breakdown activities. Responsible for in-service delegation of tasks to line personnel.
  • Supervises all buffet, beverage, break, and carving table set-up and breakdown.
  • Responsible for set-up of all equipment necessary for the above-mentioned areas, including but not limited to chafing dishes, sternos, china, serving ware, silverware, bowls and platters, heating lamps, and cutting boards
  • Assists Executive Chef with fulfilling kitchen record-keeping and administrative requirements, including food inventories and ordering of food products.
  • Responsible for organizing employee work schedules, ensuring appropriate coverage for all kitchen areas.
  • Measure, mix and cook ingredients according to recipes
  • Use a variety of pots, pans, knives, and other equipment to prepare and serve food.
  • Maintain a clean kitchen. At the end of the day there should be NO food debris on the floor, walls, equipment, work tables, ceilings, or any other surface located within the kitchen area. This same standard must be maintained in all food production areas outside of the main kitchen.
  • Ensures kitchen staff are aware of workplace expectations by providing ongoing assistance, training, and mentoring to kitchen staff.
  • Promote a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative workplace environment by working side by side with staff.
  • Assists Executive Chef to ensure quality, consistency, and concept are maintained.
  • Monitors production of food preparation, ensuring recipe specifications, portion controls, and kitchen timings are met.
  • Monitors all food served relative to appearance, temperature, sanitary, and quality standards.
  • Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
  • Guide, direct, and motivate kitchen employees.
  • Ensure that all food safety standards are followed.
  • Communicate with supervisors, peers, and subordinates.
  • Make decisions and solve problems. Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
  • Evaluate information against standards.
  • Carry out ideas, programs, systems, or products.
  • Document and record all personnel discipline information. Work with human resources for personnel discipline issues.
  • Other duties as assigned by the executive chef.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent GED.
  • Minimum of 2-3+ years in a similar position in an upscale banquet, hotel, or convention center setting with prior supervisory experience.
  • State issued Health Certificate and immunizations are required.
  • Technical proficiency and experience demonstrating verifiable knowledge of food preparation methods.
  • Ability to positively interact with diverse personalities, including co-workers, subordinates, guests, and purveyors in a variety of work situations. Must have active listening and effective communication skills.
  • Ability to develop results-oriented staff through effective training, evaluation, motivation, coaching, and counseling. Ability to assist others in developing needed skills for effective job performance.
  • Ability to positively distribute responsibility to others to meet objectives and achieve desired results.
  • Ability to recognize problems and to creatively and expeditiously find solutions. Ability to set priorities and use initiative; solid decision-maker.
  • Ability to be detail-oriented, multitask, and effectively prioritize in a continuously changing environment.
  • Ability to be self-directed while working in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule; able and willing to work nights, weekends, and long hours.
  • Must be able to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
  • Must be ServSafe certified.
  • Knowledge of and skill in using computer software, including MS Word/Excel/Outlook.
  • Ability to work closely with kitchen staff but also spend time alone cooking.
  • Must be able to supervise, coach, and train employees.
  • Provide excellent service to customers.
  • General knowledge for the health and safety of patrons and staff.
  • Identify problems and review information.
  • Must maintain a high level of concentration.
  • Must be able to multi-task.
  • Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers in mathematics. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
  • Knowledge of US Foods Menu Profit Pro is a plus.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Apply