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Food Preparation Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$29 - $30/hr

The Sous Chef will help maintain high culinary standards while supporting residential dining ... Monitor food preparation, portioning, and service to maintain quality and cost control. * Assist ...

Sous Chef

Tampa, FL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Qualifications * 2+ years of Sous Chef experience * Upscale high volume operations experience a ... Oversee food preparation, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to recipes. * Train, mentor ...

Sous Chef

Saint Petersburg, FL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Pete, FL is looking to add a Sous Chef to their team! Qualifications * 2+ years of Sous Chef ... Oversee food preparation, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to recipes. * Train, mentor ...

Pantry Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

A Pantry Chef (also called a Garde Manger Chef or Pantry Cook ) is responsible for preparing and ... Prepare and plate dishes according to recipes and presentation standards. * Maintain proper food ...

Sous Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The Sous Chef plays a critical role in supporting the Executive Chef to ensure the smooth and ... This position is responsible for overseeing daily food preparation, maintaining high standards of ...

Sous Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

The Sous Chef plays a critical role in supporting the Executive Chef to ensure the smooth and ... This position is responsible for overseeing daily food preparation, maintaining high standards of ...

Sous Chef

Saint Michaels, MD · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Prepare and plate food according to kitchen specifications * Assist Executive Chef with kitchen operations with a goal of increasing revenue and profit * Supervise and coordinate all food preparation ...

Sous Chef

Saint Michaels, MD · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Prepare and plate food according to kitchen specifications * Assist Executive Chef with kitchen operations with a goal of increasing revenue and profit * Supervise and coordinate all food preparation ...

Sous Chef

Saint Michaels, MD · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Prepare and plate food according to kitchen specifications * Assist Executive Chef with kitchen operations with a goal of increasing revenue and profit * Supervise and coordinate all food preparation ...

The Head Chef will be responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations, menu planning, food preparation, and ensuring the highest quality of food is served to our customers. The ideal candidate will ...

Sous Chef

Deadwood, SD

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command, working directly under the head chef. They will be ... including food preparation, staff supervision, menu planning, ensuring food quality and safety.

Banquet Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$53K - $75K/yr

Banquet chefs must be knowledgeable about health and safety regulations and ensure that the kitchen and food preparation areas are clean and hygienic.

Sous Chef

Deadwood, SD

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command, working directly under the head chef. They will be ... including food preparation, staff supervision, menu planning, ensuring food quality and safety.

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Food Preparation Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do food preparation chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for food preparation 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 is a food preparation chef?

Food Preparation Chefs, often called prep cooks or prep chefs, are culinary professionals responsible for preparing ingredients and basic components of meals in a kitchen. They handle tasks such as washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients, as well as preparing sauces and dressings. Their work ensures that chefs and cooks have everything ready to efficiently assemble and cook dishes during meal service. Food Preparation Chefs play a vital role in maintaining kitchen organization, food safety, and consistency in meal quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food preparation chef?

To thrive as a Food Preparation Chef, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a culinary arts degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality dishes, maintain kitchen efficiency, and uphold health and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food preparation chefs, and how can they be managed on the job?

Food preparation chefs often encounter challenges such as working under time pressure during busy meal periods, maintaining consistency in food quality, and adhering to strict food safety standards. Effective time management, strong organizational skills, and clear communication with kitchen staff are essential for overcoming these obstacles. Many chefs also develop routines for prepping ingredients in advance and regularly check inventory to avoid last-minute shortages, ensuring smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Food Preparation Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectFood Preparation ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingBasic culinary skills, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsFast-paced kitchen stations, restaurants
Job RolePrepares ingredients, plans menus, supervises prepPrepares dishes on specific station during service
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hotelsRestaurants, cafes, catering services

In summary, a Food Preparation Chef typically has more culinary training and oversees food prep and kitchen operations, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station during service. Both roles are essential in restaurant kitchens but differ in responsibilities and experience levels.

What cities are hiring for Food Preparation Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Food Preparation Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Food Preparation Chef jobs?

For Food Preparation Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Food Preparation Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Sous Chef, Luxury Hotel

New York, NY • On-site

the Chef Agency
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Location - NYC, NY
Salary - $75-80k + bonus
Benefits - MDV, PTO
 
Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years experience as a sous chef in a luxury / fine dining setting
  • Strong knowledge of culinary operations, including food preparation, inventory management, cost control, and kitchen leadership.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and thrive in a fast-paced, 24/7 luxury hospitality environment.
 
Responsibilities
  • Supervise daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, line execution, and quality standards in a high-volume scratch kitchen.
  • Lead, coach, and develop culinary team members while ensuring exceptional guest experiences and adherence to food safety standards.
  • Assist with inventory management, ordering, labor and food cost control, and collaborate with the Executive Chef to maintain efficient kitchen operations.

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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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