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Chef Jobs in Wheaton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $75K/yr

The restaurant is known for its chef-driven menu, high standards of execution, and commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience through quality ingredients, consistency, and hospitality.

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

SOUS CHEF We are recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team! Serious inquiries only, please. Sous Chef Position Requirements: Full Essential Responsibilities: * Be available to fill in as needed to ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few of Our ...

Sushi Chef - Roka Akor Chicago Location: Chicago, IL Position: Full-Time Roka Akor is seeking a talented and passionate Sushi Chef to join our culinary team in Chicago. Combining contemporary ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

SOUS CHEF We are recruiting a Sous Chef to join our team! Serious inquiries only, please. Sous Chef Position Requirements: Full Essential Responsibilities: * Be available to fill in as needed to ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lettuce's next Pizza concept is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career ...

Sushi Chef

Streamwood, IL · On-site

$54K - $68K/yr

Sushi Chef at Minami Sushi in Streamwood, IL Are you passionate about the art of sushi-making? Do you take pride in crafting fresh, high-quality dishes that delight customers? Minami Sushi, a beloved ...

New

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few of Our ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Beatrix is now Hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Executive Chef

Naperville, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef - Upscale Steakhouse | Naperville, IL Salary: Up to $85,000 + Performance Bonus + Outstanding Benefits Bring your culinary vision to one of Naperville's premier dining destinations. We ...

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Overview Wildfire Oakbrook is now hiring a SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long ...

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

In the absence of the Chef, the Sous Chef is responsible for managing and directing the work of all BOH departments. * Responsible for exercising discretion and independent judgment with respect to ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

The Sous Chef will manage the kitchen staff in the daily production, preparation and presentation of all food for the hotel's restaurant(s) and room service in a safe, sanitary work environment which ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

The Sous Chef will manage the kitchen staff in the daily production, preparation and presentation of all food for the hotel's restaurant(s) and room service in a safe, sanitary work environment which ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

In the absence of the Chef, the Sous Chef is responsible for managing and directing the work of all BOH departments. * Responsible for exercising discretion and independent judgment with respect to ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef information

See Wheaton, IL salary details

$9

$23

$43

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Wheaton, IL is $23.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $29.95 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Wheaton, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Wheaton, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in Wheaton, IL?

For Chef jobs in Wheaton, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chef jobs in Wheaton, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Chef jobs in Wheaton, IL are:

What cities near Wheaton, IL are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Wheaton, IL with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Wheaton, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,509 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity

An established, high-volume restaurant in Chicago's River North neighborhood is seeking an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to join its culinary leadership team. The restaurant is known for its chef-driven menu, high standards of execution, and commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience through quality ingredients, consistency, and hospitality.

This is an opportunity to work alongside an experienced management team in a fast-paced environment while helping lead kitchen operations, develop staff, and maintain excellence in food quality and execution.

Position Overview

The Sous Chef will play a key role in the day-to-day management of kitchen operations. This position requires a strong leader who can support the Executive Chef, maintain operational standards, oversee kitchen staff, and ensure consistent execution across all services.

The ideal candidate is organized, hands-on, passionate about hospitality, and experienced in high-volume restaurant environments.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in leading daily kitchen operations and service execution
  • Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation standards are maintained at all times
  • Support hiring, training, scheduling, and development of kitchen staff
  • Monitor food preparation and line execution during service
  • Assist with inventory management, ordering, and product receiving
  • Help manage food cost, waste reduction, and labor efficiency
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health and safety standards
  • Collaborate with culinary leadership on menu development, seasonal features, and special events
  • Foster a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture

Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years of Sous Chef or kitchen management experience
  • Experience in high-volume, full-service restaurant environments
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Knowledge of inventory management, food costing, and labor controls
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Commitment to quality, consistency, and hospitality
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Employee dining discounts
  • Paid training and development
  • Opportunities for advancement and long-term career growth
  • Supportive and collaborative work environment

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Employee Discount
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Training
  • Bonus Opportunities

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume outlining their experience, leadership background, and career accomplishments. All inquiries and applications will be kept strictly confidential.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.