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Head Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

900 Degrees Ristorante

Head Chef

Utica, MI · On-site

$1K - $2K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

SOST

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$45K - $95K/yr

The Head Chef is responsible for leading all kitchen and back-of-house operations while delivering a consistent, high-quality culinary experience aligned with Sost's brand and guest expectations.

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 ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Head Chef

Flint, MI · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Head Chef U of M Flint Picasso Restaurant Group is seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead culinary operations at the University of Michigan-Flint cafeteria. We are looking for a ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef

East Burke, VT · On-site

$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 ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Head Chef

Flint, MI · On-site

Head Chef U of M Flint Picasso Restaurant Group is seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead culinary operations at the University of MichiganFlint cafeteria. We are looking for a ...

Groundwater Cafe

Head Chef

Scituate, RI · On-site

The Head Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, inventory management, and staff supervision. This individual will be responsible for ensuring quality and ...

OH'S Vineyard Wine Salon

Be Seen First

Head Chef

Round Hill, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Head Chef Location: Round Hill Virginia Job Type: Full-Time About Us: OH's Vineyard Wine Salon is a unique dining and hospitality concept offering an fusion-style tapas menu paired with curated wines ...

Groundwater Cafe

Head Chef

North Scituate, RI · On-site

The Head Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, inventory management, and staff supervision. This individual will be responsible for ensuring quality and ...

Picasso Restaurant Group

Head Chef

Flint, MI · On-site

Head Chef U of M Flint Picasso Restaurant Group is seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead culinary operations at the University of Michigan-Flint cafeteria. We are looking for a ...

Groundwater Cafe

Head Chef

North Scituate, RI · On-site

The Head Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, inventory management, and staff supervision. This individual will be responsible for ensuring quality and ...

Lonesome Rose - Andersonville

Head Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

A Head Chef oversees all kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation, kitchen efficiency, hygiene standards, and staff management. They are responsible for menu planning, inventory ...

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How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% 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

$1K - $2K/wk

Full-time

Medical

Posted 11 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