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College Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bon Appetit

Sous Chef - Eckerd College

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef - Eckerd College Salary: $62,000 - $65,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit ...

Apply Early

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Spelman College

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef - Spelman College Salary: $60,000 - $62,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Spelman College

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef - Spelman College Salary: $60,000 - $62,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef Wheaton College Salary: 72,000-75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

Compass Group

Sous Chef - Spelman College

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef - Spelman College Salary: $60,000 - $62,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit ...

Bon Appetit

Sous Chef - Spelman College

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$60K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef - Spelman College Salary: $60,000 - $62,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit ...

Apply Early

Compass Group

Sous Chef Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Wheaton College Salary: 72,000-75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service!

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College Chef information

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How much do college chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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.
More about College Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for College Chef jobs? Cities with the most College Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of College Chef jobs? The most popular types of College Chef jobs are:
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College Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 74% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Sous Chef - Eckerd College

Sous Chef - Eckerd College

Compass Group

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,067 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 437 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: Sous Chef - Eckerd College
Salary: $62,000 - $65,000 / 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 a motivated Sous Chef to support the daily operations of its culinary program. This role is responsible for assisting in food production, menu execution, team supervision, and maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and guest satisfaction across campus dining operations.
The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team to deliver fresh, innovative, and well-executed dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional who is passionate about food, enjoys mentoring others, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist the Executive Chef in the daily management of culinary operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
  • Supervise and support hourly culinary team members during food preparation, production, and service.
  • Prepare and cook a variety of menu items for residential dining, retail operations, and special events.
  • Assist with menu planning, recipe development, and implementation of seasonal and student-focused offerings.
  • Support catering and campus event execution, ensuring successful production and service delivery.
  • Monitor food quality, portion control, and adherence to established recipes and production standards.
  • Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and proper product storage.
  • Help manage food and labor costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety standards.
  • Support the rollout of new culinary initiatives, menu concepts, and dining programs.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive kitchen culture through training, coaching, and teamwork.
  • Participate in campus engagement initiatives and programs designed to enhance the student dining experience.

Qualifications:
  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent combination of education and professional culinary experience.
  • Two or more years of progressive culinary experience, including experience in a supervisory or lead role.
  • Experience in high-volume foodservice, higher education, hospitality, or institutional dining environments preferred.
  • Catering and special event experience is highly desirable.
  • Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, culinary trends, food costing, sanitation, and quality control.
  • Experience with batch cooking and large-scale food production preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse culinary team.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and foodservice management systems.
  • ServSafe Certification or the ability to obtain certification within a designated timeframe.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, 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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