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Executive Chef Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Primrose Retirement Communities

Cook

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Helps the Dining Director/Executive Chef with inventory and ordering. * Maintains a clean and sanitary working environment, including cleaning equipment and timely attention to dirty dishes.

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

Compass Group

COOK

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Decatur, IL

Executive Chef information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$38.8K

$84.3K

$126.1K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Decatur, IL is $84,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $95,500.00 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.

How much is the salary of an executive chef?

The salary of an executive chef typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially with additional benefits and bonuses.

What are Executive Chefs?

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 does Gordon Ramsay pay his executive chef?

Gordon Ramsay's executive chefs typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the restaurant's size. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement within his restaurant group.

Do executive chefs get paid well?

Executive chefs typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on location, experience, and the size of the establishment. In general, they are among the higher-paid roles in the culinary industry, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibilities, culinary skills, and management duties.

What does an executive chef actually do?

An executive chef oversees the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, managing staff, ensuring food quality, and controlling costs. They coordinate between kitchen staff and management, often handle administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

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 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.
More about Executive Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL? For Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Executive Chef job openings:
Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,277 per year, or $40.5 per hour.
Cook

Cook

Primrose Retirement Communities

Decatur, IL • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Primrose Retirement Communities rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 235 rated social care providers

Job description

Primrose Retirement Communities began over 30 years ago with a simple mission - to honor our seniors by offering a variety of healthy, happy lifestyle options.
By getting the right people on the team at all levels of the organization and by making work fun, we will create a culture where the best people will want to work, residents will want to live, and the core values of Accountability, Relentless Improvement, Embrace Change, Respect and Passion are embraced.
What we offer:
  • PTO (Paid Time Off)
  • Various coverage levels for Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
  • 401k Retirement plans plus a generous company match
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company paid Life Insurance

And best of all, you get to work with our amazing STAFF and RESIDENTS!
Primrose Retirement Communities is hiring for a Cook to be responsible for providing residents and guests with a pleasant dining experience through the efficient and sanitary preparation and service of high quality, nutritious meals.
More about the position responsibilities:
  • Follows written recipes and prepares high quality, delicious, and nutritious menu options.
  • Assists in developing menus and special meals, following a daily prep list.
  • Helps the Dining Director/Executive Chef with inventory and ordering.
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary working environment, including cleaning equipment and timely attention to dirty dishes.
  • Assists with various cooking methods including but not limited to; baking, frying, cold salad prep, sauteing, and general short order cooking.

What we're looking for:
  • Must have previous kitchen experience.
  • Sanitation Certified (ServSafe) or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
  • Must be flexible and accommodating to residents and guests.
  • Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Must have a solid work ethic, positive attitude, and be a good team player.

Opportunities for full-time, part-time, or PRN (as needed) hours.
Available shifts: days, nights, or rotating.
Pay range: $17-18.
To learn more about this position, and more great opportunities, please visit us at: https://primroseretirement.com/primrose-careers-culture/

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