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Head Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

900 Degrees Ristorante

Head Chef

Utica, MI · On-site

$1.5K - $2.1K/wk

We are looking for a full-time head chef to run our kitchen in our Italian Restaurant. We make authentic Italian food ranging from appetizers, pastas, entrées, and wood burning pizzas. Executive ...

Beer Baron Whiskey Bar & Kitchen

Head Chef

Livermore, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

HEAD CHEF We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help maintain high standards in our back-of-house operations. Responsibilities: * Oversee daily ...

Troon

Head Chef

Brewster, WA · On-site

$78K/yr

Head Chef / operational and procurement focus. Compensation: $78,000 - $90,000 BOE Overseeing food preparation : They make sure every dish meets the restaurant's standards for taste, portion and ...

Serenite Hospitality

Head Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

Head Chef Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our team. The Head Chef will be responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations, menu planning, food preparation, and ensuring ...

Troon Golf

Head Chef

Brewster, WA · On-site

$78K - $90K/yr

Head Chef / operational and procurement focus. Compensation: $78,000 - $90,000 BOE Overseeing food preparation : They make sure every dish meets the restaurant's standards for taste, portion and ...

Jalisco Cantina Whitefish

Head Chef

Whitefish, MT · On-site

```html Head Chef Location: Whitefish, MT, 59937 Job Overview We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef specializing in Mexican cuisine to lead our kitchen team in Whitefish, MT. The ideal ...

FTK Hospitality Philadelphia

Head Chef

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Head Chef - Full Time FTK Hospitality | Philadelphia, PA We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team at a high-volume hospitality operation in Philadelphia. This ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef

East Burke, VT

$75K - $80K/yr

Location - East Burke, VT Salary - 75-80K Benefits - MDV, Seeking a head chef for a 4 season New England mountain resort in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Qualifications * Hands-on kitchen leader ...

Heisler's Market

Be Seen First

Head Chef

Mcmurray, PA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

As the Head Chef, you will have the opportunity to shape our menu, inspire creativity, and ensure that our kitchen operates at the highest level of efficiency and consistency. Key Responsibilities

Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00 per year About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a ...

Heisler's Market

Be Seen First

Head Chef

Mcmurray, PA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

As the Head Chef, you will have the opportunity to shape our menu, inspire creativity, and ensure that our kitchen operates at the highest level of efficiency and consistency. Key Responsibilities

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00 per year About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a ...

Serenite Hospitality

Head Chef

Fish Camp, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Head Chef We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team and oversee all aspects of kitchen operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary ...

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00 per year About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a ...

Santa Maria Country Club

Head Chef

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

The Head Chef oversees all culinary operations, including menu development, recipe standardization, and consistent execution for à la carte dining, banquets, tournaments, and special events.

Sycamore Reserve

Head Chef

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager Job Summary We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team in delivering an exceptional dining experiences for our residents. The ideal ...

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Head Chef information

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$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Head Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and several years of professional kitchen experience, often supported by a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, inventory software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing a team and fostering a positive kitchen environment. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a motivated staff, all critical for a successful kitchen.

What are some of the main challenges Head Chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Head Chefs often face the challenge of balancing high-quality food preparation with efficient kitchen management, especially during busy service periods. They must coordinate and motivate a diverse team, ensure food safety standards are consistently met, and adapt quickly to supply chain or staffing issues. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the Head Chef is responsible for both the culinary output and the smooth operation of the kitchen. Successfully overcoming these challenges can lead to greater leadership opportunities within the hospitality industry.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially for those with advanced culinary skills and management experience.

What is the difference between Head Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectHead ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees often preferredSimilar credentials, often with experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen, manages staffAssists Head Chef, manages specific sections
Industry UsageLeads kitchen operations in restaurants, hotelsSupports Head Chef, second-in-command
Search & ComparisonOften searched with Sous Chef for role distinctionsCommonly compared to Head Chef for hierarchy understanding

The Head Chef is responsible for the overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the Head Chef and managing specific kitchen sections. Both roles require culinary expertise and certifications, but the Head Chef holds the primary leadership position.

How much does a head chef's salary?

The average salary for a head chef varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $45,000 to $80,000 annually. In high-end restaurants or metropolitan areas, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially for those with advanced culinary skills and management experience.

What are Head Chefs?

Head Chefs are the leaders of a kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations in a restaurant or food service establishment. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain health and safety standards. Head Chefs also handle inventory, order supplies, and may be involved in budgeting and cost control. Their role is both creative and managerial, making them essential to the success of any professional kitchen.

What does a head chef do?

A head chef, also known as executive chef, is responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations, managing staff, creating menus, ensuring food quality and safety, and controlling costs. They coordinate with suppliers, train kitchen staff, and ensure the restaurant meets health regulations. Strong leadership, culinary skills, and organizational abilities are essential for this role.

What is the highest salary for a head chef?

The highest salaries for head chefs can exceed $100,000 annually, especially in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs. Factors such as experience, location, restaurant size, and reputation influence earning potential, with some executive chefs earning bonuses and profit sharing in addition to base pay.

What Is a Head Chef?

A head chef oversees the kitchen of a restaurant or other dining facility. They are the top of the chef chain-of-command in most establishments; larger restaurants have an executive chef above the head chef. As head chef, you control inventory and order supplies to ensure they are replenished, develop menu items, and train and manage staff. While you may supervise the cooking and completion of dishes in the kitchen, the day-to-day operations are usually handled by someone lower down the chef hierarchy, such as the sous chef.

More about Head Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities with the most Head Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Head Chef jobs? The top employers for Head Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Head Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs? For Head Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Head Chef

900 Degrees Ristorante

Utica, MI • On-site

$1.5K - $2.1K/wk

Full-time

Medical

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a full-time head chef to run our kitchen in our Italian Restaurant.  We make authentic Italian food ranging from appetizers, pastas, entrées, and wood burning pizzas. 
 

Executive Chef / Head Chef 
-5+ years experience as a head chef with multiple years of Italian cooking experience
-will oversee all aspects and functions of the kitchen and kitchen staff 
-maintains a clean and sanitary workstation 
-knows proper opening and closing procedures 
-consistent compliance with ownerships standards in portion and quality standards

Approx 60 hours a week