1

Food Preparation Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to oversee kitchen operations, ensure high-quality food preparation, and maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. This role requires ...

Chef

Glen Ellen, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Glen Ellen Village Market is looking for Full Time Chef to join the team! Paid holidays! Paid ... Cooking and coordinating all food preparation activities to ensure timely and high-quality meal ...

Sous Chef

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

This position is responsible for assisting in menu development, overseeing food preparation, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. The Sous Chef will lead kitchen staff ...

Chef

Landover, MD · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

In addition to food preparation, the Chef is responsible for maintaining kitchen organization, managing workflow, and coordinating with service staff to ensure efficient and timely delivery of meals.

FOOD, you will play a vital role in food preparation, kitchen leadership, and maintaining the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation. This is a flexible position, perfect for chefs who ...

Chef

Landover, MD · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

In addition to food preparation, the Chef is responsible for maintaining kitchen organization, managing workflow, and coordinating with service staff to ensure efficient and timely delivery of meals.

Sous Chef

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

This role involves supervising kitchen staff, managing food preparation, assisting with inventory control, and ensuring food safety standards. The Sous Chef is expected to contribute to menu ...

Sous Chef

Lititz, PA

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef * Full benefits package starts on day one of employment * Shifts vary - 6:00 AM to 2:30 ... Tastes all food items prepared for palatability and customer satisfaction. • Serves food and ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

This role involves supervising kitchen staff, managing food preparation, assisting with inventory control, and ensuring food safety standards. The Sous Chef is expected to contribute to menu ...

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

The Sous Chef's responsibilities are to, prepare, produce, present and to oversee all food product under the direction of the Executive Chef. To ensure that all food produced is consistent and of the ...

Sous Chef

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

The Junior Sous Chef plays a key role in supporting the Sous Chef and Head Chef in all aspects of ... Oversee food preparation and ensure dishes meet established quality standards. * Supervise and ...

Sous Chef

Montauk, NY · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

This role involves supervising kitchen staff, managing food preparation, assisting with inventory control, and ensuring food safety standards. The Sous Chef is expected to contribute to menu ...

Sous Chef

Miami Beach, FL

$49K - $66K/yr

This role involves supervising kitchen staff, managing food preparation, assisting with inventory control, and ensuring food safety standards. The Sous Chef is expected to contribute to menu ...

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

As a Sous Chef, you will assist in menu planning and execution, ensuring high-quality food preparation while supervising our dedicated kitchen staff. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your ...

Sous Chef

O Fallon, MO

$55K - $60K/day

As a Sous Chef, you will play a key role in maintaining high standards in food preparation and kitchen operations while working in a fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity for ...

sous chef

Fenton, MI · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. This role requires ...

Sous Chef

Dresher, PA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef plays a critical role in the culinary operations by supporting the Executive Chef in managing kitchen activities to ensure the highest quality of food preparation and presentation. This ...

Showing results 41-60

Food Preparation Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do food preparation chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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

Arlington, VA • On-site

Crestview Management, LLC
Real Estate • 11 - 50 employees

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Sous Chef

Location: Arlington, VA 22203

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join our culinary team in Arlington, VA. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to oversee kitchen operations, ensure high-quality food preparation, and maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. This role requires strong leadership skills, creativity, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Responsibilities
  • Assist the Executive Chef in planning and directing food preparation and culinary activities.
  • Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff to ensure efficient and timely food production.
  • Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene.
  • Manage inventory, order supplies, and control food costs.
  • Train, mentor, and evaluate kitchen staff performance.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Contribute to menu development and recipe creation.
  • Step in for the Executive Chef as needed during their absence.
Qualifications
  • Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
  • Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety, and sanitation standards.
  • Excellent leadership and communication skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and maintain attention to detail.
  • Passion for food quality and creativity.
  • Relevant culinary degree or certification preferred.
How to Apply

If you are passionate about culinary excellence and ready to take the next step in your career, please submit your resume and cover letter to our hiring team.