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Head Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Head Chef

Buchanan, MI · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Head chef . Responsible for running the kitchen and preparing meals, ordering food and scheduling the kitchen staff. Company Description We are a full-service restaurant, with the majority of our ...

GENERAL PURPOSE The Head Chef is responsible for every aspect of culinary creativity and kitchen operations at our facilities across West Michigan. You'll be responsible for managing a team of Chefs ...

GENERAL PURPOSE The Head Chef is responsible for every aspect of culinary creativity and kitchen operations at our facilities across West Michigan. You'll be responsible for managing a team of Chefs ...

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 ...

GENERAL PURPOSE The Head Chef is responsible for every aspect of culinary creativity and kitchen operations at our facilities across West Michigan. You'll be responsible for managing a team of Chefs ...

Willowbrook Hills, Oakland County's premiere assisted living community, is looking for a Head Chef to be responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department, including planning, developing ...

Willowbrook Hills, Oakland County's premiere assisted living community, is looking for a Head Chef to be responsible for managing the Kitchen and Nutrition Department, including planning, developing ...

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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 Jul 27, 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 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 between $45,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or major cities, and many head chefs also receive benefits and bonuses based on performance.

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 make on average?

The average salary for a head chef is around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Experienced head chefs in high-end establishments can earn over $80,000 annually, especially with additional certifications or specialized skills. Salaries may also include benefits such as bonuses and tips in some settings.

How much does a head chef's salary?

The salary of a head chef typically ranges from $45,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. In high-end establishments or major cities, salaries can exceed $100,000. Many head chefs also receive benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and paid time off.

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 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 is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among culinary professionals, especially in fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs. Their compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and profit sharing, often exceeding $70,000 annually depending on location and experience.
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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,777 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Head Chef

900 Degrees Ristorante

Utica, MI • On-site

$1.5K - $2.1K/wk

Full-time

Medical

Posted 3 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