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Head Chef Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, management of additional staff, maintaining a clean kitchen/dining room, and ensuring best practices with safety and ...

Executive Chef Location: Lincoln, NE Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 + Bonus Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401(k), Relocation Assistance Property Description: Full-service hotel featuring ...

Chef - Hillcrest Grand Lodge Location: 6021 Grand Lodge Ave Papillion, NE 68133 Service Line: Hillcrest Grand Lodge Schedule: Full-Time Hillcrest Health & Living is looking for a dependable ...

Executive Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$95K/yr

We're seeking an Executive Chef who is passionate about their craft and driven by the details that ... Eligible for department head bonus program * A free, well-balanced meal every shift * Room ...

Executive Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$95K/yr

We're seeking an Executive Chef who is passionate about their craft and driven by the details that ... Eligible for department head bonus program * A free, well-balanced meal every shift * Room ...

Chef

Papillion, NE · On-site

$17/hr

Chef - Hillcrest Mable Rose Location: Hillcrest Mable Rose Address: 4609 Hilltop Street, Bellevue, NE 68133 Schedule: Nights - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and rotating weekends Starting Pay: $17.00 ...

Executive Chef

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$95K/yr

We're seeking an Executive Chef who is passionate about their craft and driven by the details that ... Eligible for department head bonus program * A free, well-balanced meal every shift * Room ...

Sous Chef

Denton, NE · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef Location: Old Main Bar and Grill Crete, NE Job Type: Full-time About Us Old Main Bar and Grill is a distinguished steakhouse recognized for its premium cuts, scratch-made sides, and ...

Sous Chef

Crete, NE · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef Location: Old Main Bar and Grill Crete, NE Job Type: Full-time About Us Old Main Bar and Grill is a distinguished steakhouse recognized for its premium cuts, scratch-made sides, and ...

Sous Chef

Waverly, NE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Location: Old Main Bar and Grill Crete, NE Job Type: Full-time About Us Old Main Bar and Grill is a distinguished steakhouse recognized for its premium cuts, scratch-made sides, and ...

Sous Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef Omaha, Nebraska | Full-Time | BOH Leadership About Upstream Brewing Co. Upstream Brewing Co. is one of Omaha's most established brewpub destinations, known for craft beer, scratch kitchen ...

Employee Meal Cook

Mullen, NE · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Work with our head chef to plan employee meals within specified budget * Prepare and serve staff lunch daily for up to 50 employees * Ensure that food safety and sanitation standards are met

Sous Chef

Omaha, NE

$47K - $64K/yr

About the Sous Chef role: We are seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and motivated individual to join our culinary team as a Sous Chef. The right candidate is someone who can oversee all aspects of ...

Sous Chef - SSH

Omaha, NE · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sullivans Steakhouse is hiring qualified applicants for Sous Chefs in your area. Submit your resume or apply directly at www.DividendRestaurantGroupCareers.com .Team Members enjoy the following ...

Executive Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Overview Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food production. Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback ...

Executive Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Overview Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food production. Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback ...

Sous Chef

Ogallala, NE · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will play a crucial role in our culinary operations, working alongside our Draft Day Manager to create dishes that will delight our guests. As a Sous Chef at Lake Mac Casino ...

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food production. Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job ...

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Head Chef information

See Nebraska salary details

$27.2K

$61K

$90.6K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Nebraska is $61,015.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,700.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Is a head chef a stressful job?

A head chef role is often considered stressful due to high-pressure environments, long hours, and the need to manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality. The job requires strong organizational skills, resilience, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Stress levels can vary depending on the establishment's size and workload.

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 most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Nebraska? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Nebraska are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Nebraska? For Head Chef jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Nebraska are:
What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities in Nebraska with the most Head Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in NE? For Head Chef jobs in NE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,015 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

$43K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Upper Crust Food Service rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Proudly serving Sororities and Fraternities, Upper Crust Food Service is known for freshness, quality, variety, and excellent customer service. Upper Crust Food Service began with a vision to solve a problem that many Fraternity and Sorority houses face. That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country.
At Upper Crust Food Service, YOU are the crucial ingredient for providing fresh healthy Greek life food nationwide. Our Chefs enjoy a lifestyle that is unmatched in the hospitality industry with very few late nights and weekend hours.
Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, management of additional staff, maintaining a clean kitchen/dining room, and ensuring best practices with safety and sanitation. Maintain outstanding communication with management and customers. Consistently deliver outstanding products and customer service.
If you are excited to create cool from-scratch food and make people happy every day, APPLY NOW. We're currently looking for a classically trained Sous Chef who is driven by their love and passion for food.
What's in it for you?
  • Very few late nights and weekend hours
  • Time off for most holidays
  • Paid vacations
  • A competitive 401K with company match
  • Health, dental, vision, and pet insurance

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Work with the Head Chef, ensuring that food is prepared safely, efficiently, and according to specifications or requests.
  • Collaborate with the Chef to create seasonal, relevant and evolving menu concepts
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room
  • Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes
  • Help with unloading, inspecting, and storage of raw ingredients and supplies.
  • Enforce sanitation and food safety standards per state and local regulations.
  • Maintain a professional and positive attitude with coworkers and customers.
  • Assist in planning and executing special events as directed by management.
  • Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to work well as part of a team
  • Ability to follow all sanitation procedures
  • Understand food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with a variety of personalities and under pressure.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Understanding of or the ability to learn food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Be familiar with the industry's best practices

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • 2+ years of food service skills or related experience preferred
  • Have experience with bulk food prep and production in a commercial kitchen setting.
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Have a valid food safety handler and sanitation certification in accordance with state and local regulations or obtain one within 30 days of employment
  • High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety, is preferred.

Special Demands:
  • The work environment can be loud and busy. There are many kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and liquids, sharp knives, and slippery floors.
  • Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Required to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals

Upper Crust Food Service provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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