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Head Chef Jobs in Michigan (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 ...

Watershed Hospitality Group

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$58K - $61K/yr

We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for culinary excellence, creativity in menu development, and strong leadership skills to ...

Watershed Hospitality Group

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$58K - $61K/yr

We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for culinary excellence, creativity in menu development, and strong leadership skills to ...

Synergy Senior Management

Head Chef

Saginaw, MI · On-site

Assisted Living facility in Oakland County is looking for a Head Chef Job Summary The Head Chef is responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing, and ...

Synergy Senior Management

Head Chef

Saginaw, MI · On-site

Assisted Living facility in Oakland County is looking for a Head Chef Job Summary The Head Chef is responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing, and ...

Synergy Senior Management

Head Chef

Saginaw, MI

Assisted Living facility in Oakland County is looking for a Head Chef Job Summary The Head Chef is responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing, and ...

Synergy Senior Management

Head Chef

Troy, MI

Assisted Living facility in Oakland County is looking for a Head Chef Job Summary The Head Chef is responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing, and ...

Pineview Cottage

Head Chef

Harbor Springs, MI · On-site

In the role of Head Chef you will be responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing and preparing menus and meals in a safe and efficient way and ...

Pineview Cottage

Head Chef

Harbor Springs, MI · On-site

In the role of Head Chef you will be responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing and preparing menus and meals in a safe and efficient way and ...

Pineview Cottage

Head Chef

Harbor Springs, MI · On-site

In the role of Head Chef you will be responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing and preparing menus and meals in a safe and efficient way and ...

Pineview Cottage

Head Chef

Harbor Springs, MI · On-site

In the role of Head Chef you will be responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing and preparing menus and meals in a safe and efficient way and ...

Pineview Cottage

Head Chef

Harbor Springs, MI

In the role of Head Chef you will be responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department including planning, developing and preparing menus and meals in a safe and efficient way and ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$16 - $23/hr

Head Chefs are responsible for creating, planning, and executing all fresh, from scratch weekly menus with input from the client and Management team. Direct all food preparation and staff in ...

Watershed Hospitality Group

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, including menu creation, meal preparation, and staff management. Responsibilities include selecting and sourcing high-quality ingredients ...

Watershed Hospitality Group

Head Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, including menu creation, meal preparation, and staff management. Responsibilities include selecting and sourcing high-quality ingredients ...

Birmingham Pub

Executive Chef

Birmingham, MI

$1.2K - $1.4K/wk

Experience working as a Head Chef * Culinary degree (preferred) * Excellent culinary skills * Strong leadership and communication skills * Positive attitude * Able to communicate clearly ...

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Head Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$24.8K

$55.8K

$82.8K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Michigan is $55,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $65,400.00 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.
More about Head Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Michigan?

For Head Chef jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Head Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in MI?

For Head Chef jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,777 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Head Chef

Utica, MI • On-site

900 Degrees Ristorante
See more jobs at 900 Degrees Ristoranteexternal

$1.5K - $2.1K/wk

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 23 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