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College Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dickinson College

Chef

Salt Lake City, UT

$64K - $88K/yr

Posting Details Dickinson College is a premier four-year residential liberal arts institution ... The Chef is directly responsible for production and director supervision of staff on assigned ...

Dickinson College

Chef

Carlisle, PA

$64K - $88K/yr

Posting Details Dickinson College is a premier four-year residential liberal arts institution ... The Chef is directly responsible for production and director supervision of staff on assigned ...

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How much do college chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for college chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the primary challenges a College Chef may face in a campus dining setting?

College Chefs often face the challenge of preparing large quantities of food while maintaining quality, consistency, and accommodating a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences. Workdays can involve managing a team, scheduling staff, and ensuring that all health and safety regulations are strictly followed. The dynamic environment requires flexibility to adjust menus based on seasonal ingredients, student feedback, and special campus events. However, this role offers the opportunity to be creative in menu planning and to impact student satisfaction and well-being directly through nutritious dining options.

Did Gordon Ramsay go to college or culinary school?

Gordon Ramsay did not attend culinary school; he began his culinary career as an apprentice and worked his way up through hands-on experience in professional kitchens. Many successful chefs gain skills through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and culinary courses rather than formal college education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the College Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a College Chef, you need strong culinary skills, experience in high-volume food preparation, and often a degree or certification in culinary arts or food safety. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and compliance with health and safety regulations is typically required. Leadership, teamwork, and time management are crucial soft skills for coordinating among kitchen staff and adapting to busy campus schedules. These competencies are vital for delivering consistent, high-quality meals that meet diverse dietary needs within a fast-paced college environment.

What is the highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef job is typically that of an executive chef or head chef in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private estates, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn even higher compensation, especially in major metropolitan areas or exclusive establishments.

What is a College Chef job?

A College Chef is responsible for preparing and overseeing meals in a college or university dining facility. They plan menus, ensure food quality and safety, manage kitchen staff, and accommodate dietary restrictions. The role often involves balancing nutrition, budget constraints, and large-scale food production. College Chefs may also collaborate with students and faculty to create diverse meal options.

How much money do culinary students make?

Culinary students typically do not earn a full salary while in training, but those working as apprentices or interns may earn between minimum wage and $15 per hour, depending on the location and establishment. Once they become professional chefs, salaries can range from $30,000 to over $70,000 annually, influenced by experience, skill level, and the type of establishment. Gaining practical experience and certifications can improve earning potential in the culinary field.

How do you become a chef after college?

To become a college chef, individuals typically need to complete culinary education or training, such as a culinary arts degree or certificate. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level kitchen positions helps develop cooking skills, and obtaining food safety certifications can improve job prospects. Building a strong work ethic and knowledge of kitchen operations are also important for career advancement.
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College Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Sr. Sous Chef - Eckerd College

Sr. Sous Chef - Eckerd College

Compass Group

Saint Petersburg, FL

$65K - $68K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,080 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 454 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: Sr. Sous Chef - Eckerd College 

Salary:  $65,000 - $68,000 / year

Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

Eckerd College is seeking an experienced Senior Sous Chef to support the culinary leadership team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests. This role plays a key part in the day-to-day operation of the culinary department, overseeing food production, maintaining quality and safety standards, and fostering a positive team culture.

The Senior Sous Chef partners closely with the Executive Chef to execute innovative menus, support residential dining and catering operations, develop culinary talent, and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality food across all service areas. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, hospitality-driven environment and is committed to creating memorable dining experiences.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Executive Chef in managing daily culinary operations, ensuring excellence in food quality, presentation, and service execution.
  • Lead and supervise kitchen staff during production and service periods, providing coaching, training, and performance support.
  • Oversee preparation, cooking, and presentation of menu items for residential dining, campus events, and special functions.
  • Support menu development and recipe implementation, incorporating seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and student preferences.
  • Execute catering events and special campus functions, ensuring seamless production and service.
  • Monitor food, labor, and supply costs while supporting inventory management and purchasing initiatives.
  • Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
  • Assist with scheduling, staffing, and daily operational planning to ensure efficient kitchen performance.
  • Collaborate with culinary and operational leadership to introduce new programs, concepts, and dining experiences.
  • Ensure compliance with all company, college, and regulatory policies and procedures.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the culinary team.

Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts, culinary certification, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Three or more years of progressive culinary leadership experience in a high-volume foodservice environment.
  • Experience supervising and developing culinary teams in a fast-paced operation.
  • Strong knowledge of food production, menu development, food costing, inventory control, and kitchen operations.
  • Experience with catering and special events is highly preferred.
  • College, university, hospitality, healthcare, resort, or other large-scale foodservice experience is a plus.
  • Demonstrated understanding of current culinary trends, sustainability practices, and diverse dietary needs.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and basic foodservice management systems.
  • ServSafe Certification or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

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