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Full Time Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Alinea Group

Chef de Partie

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $21.50/hr

This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 days a week. Chef de Partie predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred.

The Alinea Group

Chef de Partie

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $22/hr

This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 days a week. Chef de Partie predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred.

The Alinea Group

Chef de Partie

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $22/hr

This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 days a week. Chef de Partie predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred.

The Alinea Group

Chef de Partie

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $22/hr

This is a full time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 days a week. Chef de Partie predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred. A ...

The Alinea Group

Chef de Partie

Chicago, IL

$21.50 - $22/hr

This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 days a week. Chef de Partie predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred.

The Alinea Group

Chef de Partie

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.50 - $22/hr

This is a full time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 days a week. Chef de Partie predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred. A ...

The Alinea Group

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Description Alinea is looking for a full-time Sous Chef to join our team! The Sous Chef plays a crucial role within the team, showcasing outstanding leadership abilities and a deep commitment to ...

The Alinea Group

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Description Alinea is looking for a full-time Sous Chef to join our team! The Sous Chef plays a crucial role within the team, showcasing outstanding leadership abilities and a deep commitment to ...

Chartwells HE

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$21/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Address : 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule; Monday ...

Chartwells HE

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30/hr

We are hiring immediately for full time SOUS CHEF positions. * Address : 1155 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule; days and ...

Eurest

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$25/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : Hollister - 2000 Hollister Drive, Libertyville, IL 60048 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

The Chopping Block

Chef instructor

Chicago, IL

$24 - $26/hr

Chef Instructors are leaders in the kitchen by instructing our students with the guidance of ... Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 3 - 5 years Salary: $24 - $26 Hourly Bonus/Commission:

Shakou Restaurants

Sushi Chef - BAR

Barrington, IL · On-site

Description Position Summary Sushi Chefs are responsible for the preparation, production, and ... Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time Location Barrington This position is currently ...

Ema

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Overview Ema is now Hiring a EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a ... Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Beatrix

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Overview Beatrix Oakbrook is now hiring an EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is ... Employment Type: FULL_TIME

The Alinea Group

Commis Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $21/hr

This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 ... Led by Chef Adair Canacasco, esmero is the culmination of a lifelong exploration of Mexican ...

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All JobsChef JobsFull Time Chef JobsFull Time Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL

Full Time Chef information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$25

$46

How much do full time chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time chef in Chicago, IL is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $31.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time chef?

Full time chefs are professional cooks who work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or other food establishments on a consistent, usually 40-hour-per-week basis. They are responsible for planning menus, preparing and cooking meals, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Full time chefs may specialize in specific cuisines or types of dishes, and often oversee inventory, budgeting, and compliance with health regulations. Their role is essential to the daily operations of any food service establishment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time chef?

To thrive as a Full Time Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and a relevant culinary degree or apprenticeship. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for consistently delivering high-quality dishes, maintaining kitchen efficiency, and leading a cohesive team in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by full time chefs in a professional kitchen?

Full-time chefs often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure environments, maintaining consistency in food quality during busy service hours, and efficiently coordinating with kitchen staff. Balancing creativity with menu demands and dietary restrictions can also be demanding. Additionally, chefs must stay updated with food safety standards and often work long or irregular hours, especially during weekends and holidays. However, overcoming these challenges fosters strong teamwork, skill development, and career advancement opportunities.

What is the difference between Full Time Chef vs Part Time Chef?

AspectFull Time ChefPart Time Chef
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekFewer hours, often less than 20 hours per week
Employment StatusFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time employment, usually no benefits
CertificationsOften requires culinary certifications or experienceSimilar certifications, but less emphasis on experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesSame as full-time, but with flexible scheduling

Full Time Chefs work regular, full-week hours with benefits, while Part Time Chefs have flexible, fewer hours without benefits. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the employment structure and hours differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Full Time Chef jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Full Time Chef job openings:

Full Time Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Chef job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,811 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Chef de Partie

The Alinea Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$21 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description
Next is looking for a full-time Chef de Partie to join our team! The Chef de Partie is an important part of the team, responsible for preparation and production of foods, garnishes and condiments to be used for service. This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 45-60 hours, 5 days a week. Chef de Partie predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred. Candidates must be available to work Wednesday - Sunday.
Next is a pre-fixe experience that undergoes a creative overhaul every four months, each time inviting guests to explore a new culinary region, theme or moment in time. For example, Winter 2019's Silk & Spice menu featured dishes that explored the spices and flavors along the historic trade route in Asia, Northeast Africa and Europe. Next was named the Best New Restaurant in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation in 2012 and awarded a Michelin Star. Past menus have included Ancient Rome (2017), The Hunt (2012), and Alinea Retrospective (2018).
Responsibilities
  • Works under the direction of chefs to complete assigned tasks daily
  • Follows prep and recipe lists precisely
  • Follow directions accurately and efficiently provided by management.
  • Collaborates with BOH staff to ensure food quality and standards are met (Chefs must approve of all dishes prior to leaving the kitchen)
  • Keeping your station clean and delegate any malfunctions (coolers, sinks, equipment)
  • Stocktaking and ordering supplies for designated stations
  • Improving prep methods and skills based on feedback from chefs
  • Assistance in different areas in kitchen when required
  • Delegate and oversee recipes and condiments prepared by Commis Chefs
  • Offer help or assistance when preparing staff meal
  • Prioritize standards when using product followed by FIFO
  • Complies with all health department requirements of food safety and staff hygiene - including, but not limited to labeling, time and temperature
  • Actively participates in positive relationship between FOH and BOH teams by maintaining steady stream of communication with entire staff
  • Follows safety and emergency procedures to protect staff, guests and property
  • Reports any maintenance deficiencies immediately to appropriate personnel
  • Maintains thorough understanding of industry and stays abreast of industry trends
  • Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
  • Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager

Requirements
  • Demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to your work
  • Experience working in a professional kitchen environment
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, chef-driven environment
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team with effective communication skills
  • Ability to take direction well and pivot priorities quickly and efficiently
  • Thinks clearly, quickly, and maintains concentration during high pressure situations
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Knowledge of food health and safety regulations

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours
  • Must be able to move, pull, or lift at least 35 pounds
  • Must be able to climb stairs multiple times per shift

Benefits
  • Competitive hourly wage at $21.50 - $22.00/hour
  • Medical, vision, dental and life benefits available on the 1st month following full-time employment
    • 50% company contribution to single HMO during the first 2 years of full-time employment, 100% contribution available after 2 years
  • Paid time off
  • 401(K) with a company match of up to 4% of deferred earnings
  • CTA/Ventra discount available after 1 month of full-time employment
  • Employee Dining Discount, 20% to any Alinea Group restaurant
  • Referral Bonus Program available

The Alinea Group is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, life experiences and ideas. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and strive to provide an inclusive culture that embraces diversity.
Must be eligible to legally work in the United States. We use E-Verify.
Department Culinary Role Chef de Partie Locations Next Restaurant Hourly salary $21 - $21.5 Employment type Full-time

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