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Head Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Head Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Head Chef Location: Miami, FL Salary: Up to $100,000 Benefits: Yes, TBD Relocation: locals only A premium grocery market in Miami is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the daily culinary ...

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 ...

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $86,417.73 - 108,021.41 About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted ...

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 ...

Communal Cafe

Head Chef

Nevada City, CA

$23/hr

Lead the Culinary Vision as Our Head Chef at Communal Cafe! Are you a passionate culinary professional with a knack for creating memorable dining experiences? Communal Cafe, nestled in the heart of ...

Troon

Head Chef

Brewster, WA

$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 ...

Peachtree Hospitality Management

Head Chef

Sewanee, TN · On-site

A Head Chef creates and maintains a restaurant's menu and identity. From recipe development to execution, Head Chefs take the lead and ensure that food is prepared properly, safely, and tastily. A ...

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 ...

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 ...

Peachtree Hospitality Management

Head Chef

Sewanee, TN · On-site

A Head Chef creates and maintains a restaurant's menu and identity. From recipe development to execution, Head Chefs take the lead and ensure that food is prepared properly, safely, and tastily. A ...

FTK Hospitality Philadelphia

Head Chef

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Head Chef - Full Time FTK Hospitality | Baltimore, MD We are seeking a talented and creative Head Chef to join our upscale restaurant in the suburbs of Baltimore, near the Roland Park area. This role ...

Gecko Hospitality

Head Chef

Temecula, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

HEAD CHEF Temecula, California About the Opportunity A well regarded winery destination in Temecula is seeking a talented and hands on Head Chef to support the culinary operation of its Spanish ...

Volstead's Emporium

Be Seen First

Head Chef

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Volstead's is seeking a new Head Chef who is available to begin work immediately. Our kitchen operation is small but mighty. The ideal candidate has experience running a scratch kitchen independently ...

Salt Life Food Shack

Head Chef

Fernandina Beach, FL · On-site

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the back-of-house operations of a high-volume, full-service restaurant. This is an opportunity to join an established operation where great food ...

SkyChefs

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $86,417.73 - 108,021.41 About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted ...

Aubrey

Head Chef

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

We're looking for a skilled and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, drive culinary excellence, and take our menu to the next level. If you have a deep love for food, strong leadership ...

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Head Chef information

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$64K

$95K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 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 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?

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 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 do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or in regions with a higher cost of living, and many head chefs also receive tips and bonuses.

What other jobs can a head chef do?

A head chef can transition into roles such as culinary director, food service manager, restaurant owner, or food consultant, leveraging skills in kitchen management, menu development, and leadership. They may also pursue positions in catering, hospitality management, or culinary education, often requiring certifications or experience in business and operations.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Head Chef

Miami, FL • On-site

the Chef Agency
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about the Chef Agencyexternal

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Head Chef
Location: Miami, FL
Salary: Up to $100,000
Benefits: Yes, TBD
Relocation: locals only
A premium grocery market in Miami is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the daily culinary operations of its innovative, wellness-focused concept. This hands-on leadership role will oversee restaurant service, prepared foods, grab-and-go production, and kitchen operations while delivering fresh, seasonal, and health-conscious cuisine.
Qualifications
  • 3-7+ years of Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager experience
  • Strong leadership experience in upscale restaurants, cafés, premium markets, or health-focused concepts
  • Experience managing high-volume kitchen operations
  • Knowledge of scratch cooking, production, and food safety standards
  • Strong team-building, coaching, and organizational skills
  • Experience managing food cost, labor, inventory, and purchasing
  • Passion for organic, wellness-driven, and sustainable cuisine
Responsibilities
  • Lead all daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency
  • Oversee restaurant service, prepared foods, bakery, and grab-and-go production
  • Train, mentor, and develop the culinary team
  • Manage inventory, ordering, scheduling, labor, and food cost
  • Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and operational excellence
  • Collaborate with leadership on menu development and seasonal offerings
  • Foster a positive, collaborative culture focused on hospitality and wellness
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About Chef Agency

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Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

Social media

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