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Culinary Professional Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Singh

Culinary Supervisor

Rochester Hills, MI

The Culinary Supervisor assists in the supervision of kitchen operations to ensure a high quality ... Acts professionally, respectfully, and is dedicated to work. Takes accountability and ...

Watershed Hospitality Group

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$58K - $61K/yr

... culinary professional with a passion for creating memorable dining experiences and leading a team to success, we invite you to apply for the Head Chef position with us.

Harper Associates

Culinary Director

Troy, MI · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Regional Culinary Director - Business Dining $80-90,000 Detroit based - 35% travel, company vehicle ... professionals to choose from.

Watershed Hospitality Group

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$58K - $61K/yr

... culinary professional with a passion for creating memorable dining experiences and leading a team to success, we invite you to apply for the Head Chef position with us.

ERG RESTAURANTS II LLC

Line Cook

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Are you an enthusiastic, creative, and qualified culinary professional-or want to become one? Essence Restaurant Group-home to Bistro Bella Vita, The Green Well, Grove, and Lucy's-seeks dedicated ...

St John's United

Director Culinary Services-Saginaw, MI

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and pride. * Conduct performance ... Represent Forefront and the culinary program in a highly professional manner. Program & Concept ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional food and service. About Us Picasso ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional food and service. About Us Picasso ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional food and service. About Us Picasso ...

Progressive Quality Care

Cook

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

If you are a motivated and experienced culinary professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply today! Please submit your application to join our team at Avenue at Westshore and ...

Suser Restaurant Group

Sous Chef

White Lake, MI · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

This role requires a passionate, hands-on culinary professional who leads by example, upholds the highest standards of food quality and consistency, and is committed to developing the kitchen team.

The Avenue at Westshore

Cook

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

If you are a motivated and experienced culinary professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply today! Please submit your application to join our team at Avenue at Westshore and ...

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All JobsCulinary Professional JobsCulinary Professional Jobs in Michigan

Culinary Professional information

See Michigan salary details

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How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in Michigan is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Professional, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and exceptional dining experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary Professional vs Chef?

AspectCulinary ProfessionalChef
CredentialsOften includes culinary certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingTypically requires culinary school, apprenticeships, and culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, hospitality industryProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for food service roles in hospitality and cateringSpecific to kitchen leadership and culinary arts

The term "Culinary Professional" encompasses a wide range of food service roles, including cooks, food prep staff, and kitchen assistants, often with various certifications. A "Chef" is a specialized culinary professional who typically has formal culinary training and leads kitchen operations. While all chefs are culinary professionals, not all culinary professionals are chefs. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and level of specialization.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is an individual trained in the art and science of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include chefs, cooks, bakers, and others working in restaurants, hotels, catering, or other food service establishments. Culinary professionals are skilled in a variety of cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Many pursue formal education at culinary schools, while others gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges culinary professionals face in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often navigate challenges such as time management, maintaining consistency under pressure, and adapting to last-minute menu changes. Working in a bustling kitchen requires effective communication with team members and the ability to multitask without compromising food quality or safety standards. Additionally, long hours and physically demanding tasks are common, so resilience and a passion for the craft are essential for success and growth in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Culinary Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Professional job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,686 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Line Cook / Prep Cook / Kitchen Lead (Independent Contractor)

Culinary Cultivations

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

$16 - $25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Line Cook / Prep Cook / Kitchen Lead (Independent Contractor)Culinary Cultivations – Grand Rapids, MIPay: $17–$27 per hour (rates vary by role, experience, client, and location)Job DescriptionBuild your own schedule, work with great people, and support exciting kitchens across West Michigan.Culinary Cultivations, Grand Rapids' premier food service and hospitality staffing company, is seeking experienced Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Kitchen Leads to join our independent contractor team. Our contractors provide professional back-of-house support to a wide range of clients while maintaining flexibility and control over when and where they work.This opportunity is ideal for experienced culinary professionals looking to supplement their income without committing to a traditional part-time or full-time role.About the RoleTeam members work as independent contractors, selecting shifts based on their availability from posted opportunities. Shifts vary by client and may include weekdays, evenings, weekends, and special events.Client types include:Colleges and universitiesHotels and event venuesAssisted living and healthcare facilitiesPrivate events and catering clientsCompensationHourly rates typically range from $17–$27/hourRates vary based on:Role (Line Cook, Prep Cook, Kitchen Lead)Experience levelClient type and locationPaid bi-weekly for verified hours workedKey ResponsibilitiesProvide reliable, professional back-of-house support to client kitchensPrepare food according to client standards and food safety guidelinesWork independently or as part of a kitchen team, depending on assignmentMaintain professionalism, efficiency, and adaptability in varying kitchen environmentsThis Role Is a Great Fit If You AreDependable and punctualComfortable working in new kitchen environmentsAdaptable and able to switch tasks quicklySelf-directed and able to work with minimal supervisionCalm and effective in fast-paced or high-pressure settingsQualificationsMinimum 2 years of professional cooking experience preferredExperience in one or more of the following is a plus:Full-service restaurantsCatering or event kitchensAssisted living or healthcare kitchensAbility to follow food safety standards and kitchen protocolsServSafe Food (preferred, not required)BenefitsFlexible, self-selected schedulingReferral programVariety of work environments and shift typesOpportunity to earn additional income without long-term commitmentWork LocationMultiple client locations throughout West MichiganOur ValuesCulinary Cultivations is built on Kindness, Communication, Trust, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are proud to partner with skilled culinary professionals who represent our team and our clients with professionalism and care.