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Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef Location: Naples, FL Salary: $80,000-$100,000 Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package Relocation: Yes, within Florida A premium organic grocery market in Naples, FL is seeking an ...

Executive Chef

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Pittsburgh, PA Salary: $85,000-$95,000 Base + Bonus Eligible (Up to 10%) Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401(k), and Relocation Assistance Property Description:

Executive Chef

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Palm Springs/Palm Desert area Salary: $125,000 - $135,000 Base Salary + Bonus Benefits: MDV, PTO, 401(k), relocation assistance Property Description: Upscale resort ...

Executive Chef

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef Upscale Casual Theme Are you an Executive Chef passionate about your culinary skills? Our Company is searching for a Professional Executive Chef to lead a polished culinary staff. To ...

Executive Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale/Fine Dining Restaurant * Strong creative background with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced cuisine * Experience managing food and ...

Executive Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

Executive Chef Compensation Management Training Program (First 30 Days) All Executive Chef candidates are required to successfully complete Shawarma Guys' mandatory 30-Day Management Training Program ...

Executive Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Lincoln, NE Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 + Bonus Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401(k), Relocation Assistance Property Description: Full-service hotel featuring ...

Executive Chef Compensation Management Training Program (First 30 Days) All Executive Chef candidates are required to successfully complete Shawarma Guys' mandatory 30-Day Management Training Program ...

Qualification: * 5+ years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale Italian restaurant, steakhouse, or fine dining environment * Strong background in Italian cuisine and premium steakhouse ...

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Executive Chef

Dallas, PA · On-site

$75/hr

Available positions include: - Executive Chef at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale MI: $85-95K - Executive Chef at Ave Maria University, Ave Maria FL: $80-83K - Executive Chef at Freed-Hardman University ...

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Milwaukee, WI Salary: $110,000-$130,000 base + bonus eligible up to 15% Benefits: MDV, PTO, 401(k) after 30 days, relocation assistance Property Description: Established ...

Executive Chef

Midland, MI · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Requirements : * 5+ years of Executive Chef experience within upscale hotel operations. * Strong financial and analytical acumen, including menu costing, payroll management, budgeting, and inventory ...

Executive Chef

Ocean City, MD · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Qualifications: * 3-5+ years of Executive Chef and Butchering experience * Strong background in Upscale Dining * Experience leading high-volume kitchen operations while maintaining exceptional food ...

Executive Chef

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Yes Upscale Hotel in San Antonio, TX is looking to add an Executive Chef to their team!! Qualifications: * Previous Hotel Chef experience * Upscale Hotel experience * People first leader ...

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Executive Chef

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Upscale Casual Theme Are you an Executive Chef passionate about your culinary skills? Our Company is searching for a Professional Executive Chef to lead a polished culinary staff. To ...

Executive Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Executive Chef's will be working a full-time position, with pay anticipated to be between $100,000-$120,000 plus opportunity for excellent bonuses. Starting pay will be based on each candidate ...

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN

$62K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef - Old Glory Distilling Co. We're seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary team. If you're a creative force in the kitchen with a knack for leadership and a passion for ...

Executive Chef

Utica, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Executive Chef Department: Food & Nutrition Employment Type: Full Time Location: Utica - NY Compensation: $70,000 - $75,000 / year Description Executive Chef Full-Time Positions Available. Apply ...

Executive Chef

Maricopa, AZ · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef - Daytime Hours Concept Type: Private Club - High-End Culinary Leadership Location: Maricopa, AZ Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 per year This is not your average culinary post. This is a ...

Executive Chef

Manhattan, NY

$78K - $108K/yr

This position partners closely with the National R&D Executive Chef to ensure all menu initiatives, seasonal offerings, wine dinners, and culinary programs are successfully executed while maintaining ...

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Executive Chef information

See salary details

$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu development expertise, and significant kitchen management experience, often supported by a degree from a culinary school or equivalent professional experience. Proficiency with inventory management systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food safety certifications (like ServSafe) is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication are essential soft skills to inspire teams and maintain high service standards. These skills ensure operational efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced culinary environment.

What does an executive chef do?

An executive chef is the head of the entire kitchen operation of a restaurant. Executive chefs manage inventory, budgeting, menu planning, training, plating, and all kitchen staff, from sous chefs to dishwashers. They ensure the high standard of food quality and that service runs smoothly and efficiently. Executive chefs are the highest level of level of management in the kitchen, and they are ultimately responsible for its success or failure.

What is an executive chef?

Executive Chefs are the head of a restaurant or hotel's kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations. They develop menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and handle budgeting and inventory. Executive Chefs also collaborate with management on menu pricing and may be involved in hiring and training staff. Their primary goal is to maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation while ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently.

What is the difference between Executive Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectExecutive ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experienceCulinary degree or equivalent, experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen operations, manages staffAssists Executive Chef, manages specific kitchen sections
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, hotels, resortsAll restaurant types, including casual and fine dining

The Executive Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef by managing daily kitchen operations and specific sections. Both roles require culinary credentials and experience, but the Executive Chef holds a higher leadership position within the culinary hierarchy.

What does an executive chef get paid?

The average salary for an executive chef varies depending on location and establishment, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially with experience and leadership skills in kitchen management and menu development.

What are some of the main challenges executive chefs face when managing kitchen staff and operations?

Executive Chefs often balance creative menu development with the practicalities of managing a diverse kitchen team. Common challenges include maintaining high food quality standards during busy service periods, training and motivating staff, and handling tight budgets for food costs and labor. Effective communication is crucial, as Executive Chefs collaborate closely with restaurant management, waitstaff, and suppliers to ensure smooth operations. Adapting quickly to unexpected issues, such as equipment breakdowns or staff shortages, is also a key part of the role.
What cities are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities with the most Executive Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Chef jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs? For Executive Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Executive Chef

the Chef Agency

Naples, FL

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef
Location: Naples, FL
Salary: $80,000-$100,000
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package
Relocation: Yes, within Florida
A premium organic grocery market in Naples, FL is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead its culinary operations.
Qualifications
  • 5-10+ years of Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in high-volume restaurants, premium markets, hotels, or catering operations
  • Proven experience overseeing multiple culinary departments simultaneously
  • Strong background in restaurant operations, catering, production kitchens, and prepared foods
  • Experience with menu development, recipe standardization, and food cost management
  • Demonstrated leadership with the ability to recruit, train, and develop high-performing culinary teams
  • Strong financial acumen, including labor management, inventory, purchasing, and P&L oversight
  • Passion for fresh, seasonal, organic, and wellness-focused cuisine is highly preferred
Responsibilities
  • Oversee all culinary operations, including the restaurant, catering, production kitchen, and grab-and-go program
  • Develop seasonal menus and innovative prepared food offerings that align with the brand's wellness-focused vision
  • Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all food programs
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the culinary team while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability
  • Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and vendor relationships
  • Implement and maintain standardized recipes, production systems, and operational procedures
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
  • Partner with retail and operations leadership to drive sales, profitability, and guest satisfaction

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About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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