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Culinary Student Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Exercise administrative guidance over chef leads, chefs, chef assistants, cooks, bakers, and other food service staff including student employees engaged in culinary operations. * Be a leader for ...

$363K/yr

Eligible for Student Loan Repayment up to $100k * 50k Sign on Bonus * Full benefits, paid holidays ... culinary landscape. * Top-Rated Schools: Excellent public and private schools, making it an ideal ...

Showing results 41-60

Culinary Student information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do culinary student jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary student in Michigan is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary student?

A Culinary Student job typically refers to an internship, apprenticeship, or entry-level position where aspiring chefs gain hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. These roles help students apply classroom knowledge, develop technical skills, and understand kitchen operations. Responsibilities may include food prep, assisting chefs, maintaining cleanliness, and learning various cooking techniques. This experience is valuable for building a career in the culinary industry.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a culinary student during their training?

Culinary Students often spend their days preparing ingredients, assisting chefs, participating in cooking demonstrations, and practicing various techniques learned in class. Responsibilities can also include maintaining a clean workstation, following recipes, and working as part of a kitchen team during practical sessions or internships. Many programs emphasize hands-on learning, so students frequently rotate through different kitchen stations to gain exposure to a variety of cuisines and cooking methods. This structure helps them develop proficiency and confidence in a real-world kitchen environment, preparing them for successful careers after graduation.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Student, a passion for cooking, foundational knowledge of food safety, and basic culinary techniques are essential, often backed by enrollment in an accredited culinary program. Hands-on experience with kitchen equipment, food preparation tools, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards are typically required throughout studies. Strong time management, creativity, and the ability to work well in team settings are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills help Culinary Students excel in demanding kitchen environments, support learning, and build a solid base for future culinary careers.

What do culinary students do?

Culinary students learn cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management through hands-on practice and classroom instruction. They often work in kitchens, prepare dishes, and develop skills in various culinary styles to prepare for professional roles in the food industry.

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Student jobs in Michigan?

For Culinary Student jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Student jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Student jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Culinary Student job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $32,138 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF - Lowell Area School, MI

Chartwells K12

Lowell, MI • On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Chartwells School Dining Services rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 230 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Salary:  $62,000 - $65,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K, PTO 

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

Executive Chef
Chartwells K12 | Compass Group USA
Lowell Area Schools | Lowell, MI

Ready to bring creativity, energy, and great food to the next generation? Chartwells K12 is seeking an enthusiastic Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across six schools serving approximately 3,000 students in Lowell Area Schools. Reporting to the Director of Dining Services and partnering closely with the Assistant Director, you'll be the driving force behind food quality, team development, and memorable dining experiences. As part of a trusted partnership spanning more than 30 years, you'll spend time in schools coaching and supporting a team of 34 associates, ensuring food safety and compliance standards are met while helping serve meals students are excited to eat.

This role is perfect for a hands-on leader who loves being in the kitchen, developing people, and making food fun. You'll bring Chartwells' signature programs, including Mood Boost®, Global Eats®, Discovery Kitchen®, and Student Choice®, to life through engaging student interactions, tastings, and demonstrations. No culinary degree is required, but strong kitchen experience, a passion for teaching, and the patience to coach team members of all skill levels are essential. With no summer feeding program, you'll have the opportunity to focus on planning, innovation, training, and supporting other accounts in preparation for another successful school year.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develops regular and specialty menus in line with K12 standards, ensuring adherence to portioning and presentation guidelines. 
  • Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, equipment operation, and safety protocols, promoting a culture of excellence.
  • Establishes and maintains thorough cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment and work areas.
  • Handles inventory of food and supplies, optimizing utilization while ensuring vital products are readily available. 
  • Ensures compliance with health and sanitation regulations through meticulous adherence to department procedures and participation in audits.
  • Actively participates in departmental meetings, staff development initiatives, and professional programs to stay abreast of industry trends.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of a dining service operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree in culinary arts or equivalent experience.
  • Previous K–12 culinary experience preferred; demonstrated knowledge of state and federal food program standards and guidelines.
  • Five (5) years of culinary/kitchen management experience.
  • Proven success in high-volume, complex foodservice operations, with a solid base in institutional and batch cooking.
  • Hands-on chef experience is critical, accompanied by extensive knowledge of food trends, emphasizing quality, production, sanitation, cost control, and presentation.
  • Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office suite and email systems.
  • Willingness to actively engage in client satisfaction programs and activities.
  • Proven knowledge of HACCP controls, including proper food storage, handling, and utilization practice.

Apply to Chartwells Schools today!

Chartwells Schools is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

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. 

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Associates at Chartwells K-12 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)
  • 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/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_ChartwellsK12.pdf

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

Req ID:  1558663

Chartwells K12 

KRISTEN STROHMYER

 [[req_classification]] 


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