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Floating Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elior North America

Unit Chef

Eastman, GA · On-site

$17/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Kempton, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Reading, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior North America

Sous Chef

Hamburg, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior North America

Unit Chef

Eastman, GA · On-site

$17/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Andreas, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Leesport, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Reading, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Sous Chef

Kutztown, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned. What you'll be doing: * Planning, organizing, and ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF, BENCH / FLOATING

Detroit, MI

$70K - $97K/yr

Job Summary As the bench Executive Chef, you will provide culinary leadership across multiple hospital accounts within the Detroit metro market, floating to support operations based on business needs ...

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The Commons in Lincoln

Sous Chef

Lincoln, MA

$54K - $73K/yr

Sous Chef - Full Time, days Join, stay, and grow with Benchmark. Connect with your calling. The ... & 3 floating holidays * Discounted Meal Program * Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

Sous Chef

Lincoln, MA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Sous Chef - Full Time, days Join, stay, and grow with Benchmark. Connect with your calling. The ... & 3 floating holidays * Discounted Meal Program * Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms

The Commons in Lincoln

Sous Chef

Lincoln, MA

$27 - $30/hr

Sous Chef - Full Time, days Join, stay, and grow with Benchmark. Connect with your calling. The ... & 3 floating holidays * Discounted Meal Program * Paid Training & Company-provided Uniforms

Colleton River Club, Inc.

Sous Chef

Bluffton, SC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Description Sous Chef - Colleton River Club A fantastic opportunity is waiting for you! - Join Our ... Generous PTO Policy * 6 Paid Holidays Including an Additional Floating Holiday of Your Choosing

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How much do floating chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for floating chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Floating Chefs?

Floating Chefs are professional cooks who work on a temporary, flexible basis, often traveling between different locations or establishments as needed. They may be employed by catering companies, hospitality agencies, or luxury yachts, providing culinary services for events, private clients, or short-term staffing needs. Floating Chefs must be adaptable, skilled in various cuisines, and able to quickly adjust to new kitchens and teams. This role is ideal for chefs who enjoy variety in their work environment and the opportunity to travel.

What is the difference between Floating Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectFloating ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary training, certifications varyFormal culinary education often preferred, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentMultiple locations, often on boats, yachts, or eventsPrivate homes, individual clients
Employer & IndustryEvent companies, hospitality, private chartersHigh-net-worth individuals, families
Search & Comparison IntentSimilar roles in hospitality and private cateringPersonalized, private dining experiences

The main difference between a Floating Chef and a Personal Chef lies in their work environment and client base. Floating Chefs typically work on boats, yachts, or at events, serving multiple clients in dynamic settings. Personal Chefs work directly for individual clients in private homes, focusing on personalized meal preparation. Both roles require culinary skills, but their work settings and daily responsibilities differ significantly.

What is a floating chef?

A floating chef is a culinary professional who prepares and serves food on boats, ships, or floating platforms. They often work in environments such as cruise ships or houseboats, requiring knowledge of safety regulations, cooking skills, and adaptability to unique settings.

How much do chefs get paid offshore?

Offshore chefs, including floating chefs working on ships or in remote locations, typically earn between $3,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Compensation often includes benefits such as accommodation, meals, and travel allowances, with schedules that can involve long shifts and extended periods away from home.

What is the highest paid chef position?

The highest paid chef position is typically Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine, especially in high-end restaurants or luxury hotels, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as Corporate Executive Chefs or Culinary Directors overseeing multiple locations can earn even higher compensation, often including bonuses and profit sharing.

How does a Floating Chef adapt to working in different kitchen environments and teams?

A Floating Chef often moves between various locations, kitchens, or restaurants, which requires strong adaptability and communication skills. Each kitchen may have its own procedures, equipment, and team dynamics, so being observant and quickly building rapport with new colleagues is essential. Floating Chefs commonly face the challenge of learning new menus and workflows on short notice, but this also allows them to gain diverse culinary experience and expand their professional network. Flexibility, a positive attitude, and the ability to quickly assess and meet the needs of each unique environment are key to succeeding in this role.

What is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among culinary roles, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, and resort settings. Specialized chefs such as pastry chefs or sushi chefs with advanced skills and certifications can also command higher wages. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and the establishment's prestige.

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

To thrive as a Floating Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, time management, and the flexibility to adapt to various kitchen environments, usually backed by formal culinary training or equivalent experience. Familiarity with different kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and knowledge of POS systems are typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help you integrate seamlessly with new teams and handle unexpected challenges. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and positive guest experiences across diverse locations.
More about Floating Chef jobs
What job categories do people searching Floating Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Floating Chef jobs are:
Floating Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Floating Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Unit Chef

Unit Chef

Elior North America

Eastman, GA • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Unit Chef
Job Reference Number: 39799
Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite Segment: Education
Brand: Elior-Collegiate-Dining
Location: Eastman, Georgia (US-GA)
The Role at a glance:
We are looking to add an experienced, motivated Unit Chef to our collegiate team in Eastman, GA. As a floating chef, you will have the opportunity to supervise and participate in the preparation of meals for various locations as assigned.
What you'll be doing:
  • Planning, organizing, and supervising culinary operations of retail and catering services.
  • Planning menus based on various factors, such as market trends, customer preferences, and nutritional considerations.
  • Conferring with district managers or other departments regarding daily aspects of dining service.
  • Directing and coordinating the work of kitchen staff.
  • Other tasks as assigned.

What we're looking for:
Must-haves:
  • Certification by a recognized culinary institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to travel up to 75% of the time.
  • At least three years' experience in culinary management.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.

Nice-to-haves:
  • At least one years' experience in a similar role.

Where you'll be working:
Middle Georgia State
Compensation Range
$17.00 per hour
Our Benefits:
  • Medical (FT Employees)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Voluntary UNUM offering for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
  • Discount Program
  • Commuter Benefits (Parking and Transit)
  • EAP
  • 401k
  • Sick Time
  • Holiday Pay (9 paid holidays)
  • Tuition Reimbursement (FT Employees)
  • Paid Time Off

About Elior Collegiate:
Elior Collegiate Dining is rewriting the rules of campus dining, serving up bold flavors, fresh ideas, and high-impact experiences that fuel student life. We partner with forward-thinking colleges and universities to create vibrant, customized dining programs that spark connection, celebrate culture, and make food a defining part of the college journey.
About Elior-North America:
Elior North America is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in fostering an environment of growth.
At Elior North America, we are committed to offering growth and advancement opportunities for all of our employees. The valuable skills and experience you've gained with Elior will propel you further in your career, whether with our corporate office or one of our brand segments.
Disclaimer: This job description can be revised by management as needed.
Elior North America logo

About Elior North America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Elior North America enhances people's lives through culinary innovation and a commitment to providing exemplary service. Our family of companies, with more than 17,000 employees, provides food services and catering to over 1,500 client accounts in five industry segments across the continental United States. We are proud to be the fifth largest culinary management company in the country and excited to be the fastest growing organization in the industry. We focus on three ingredients for success to differentiate Elior from our competitors and position our company as a disruptor in the markets we serve. To support our ingredients for success and drive our mission and values, we need talented team members throughout our family of companies.

Industry

Food and beverage stores

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2008

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