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Head Chef Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Line Chef

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$12 - $17/hr

Our Line Chef positions give team members an opportunity to work in a fast paced, team oriented, gameday atmosphere serving amazing Louisiana inspired cuisine. Food first mentality is at the core of ...

Line Chef

Denham Springs, LA ยท On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Our Line Chef positions give team members an opportunity to work in a fast paced, team oriented, gameday atmosphere serving amazing Louisiana inspired cuisine. Food first mentality is at the core of ...

Chef

Denham Springs, LA ยท On-site

About Company: Do you enjoy being helpful and contributing to your workplace? Are you comfortable focusing on your own work and driven by getting things done? Do enjoy being able to focus on your ...

Chef

Denham Springs, LA ยท On-site

About Company: Do you enjoy being helpful and contributing to your workplace? Are you comfortable focusing on your own work and driven by getting things done? Do enjoy being able to focus on your ...

Showing results 41-60

Head Chef information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$22.4K

$50.2K

$74.5K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Baton Rouge, LA is $50,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $58,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For Head Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Head Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,206 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Watermark CHEF DE CUISINE

Watermark BR Hotel

Baton Rouge, LA โ€ข On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Watermark BR is looking for a full-time Chef de Cuisine. The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for ensuring that all meals coming from the kitchen for which he/she is responsible are well prepared with regard to quality, consistency, eye appeal, taste and food costs. The Sous Chef is expected to provide training for all staff; meet corporate quality standards; and assist in establishing and enforcing food specifications, portion control, recipes and sanitation. The Chef de Cuisine must control food and labor costs while maximizing guest satisfaction.

Education & Experience:

At least 4 years of related progressive experience; or a culinary graduate with at least 2 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field.

Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.

Some of the essential functions of the position include:

  • Work with other F&B managers and keep them informed of F&B issues as they arise.
  • Keep immediate supervisor fully informed of all problems or matters requiring his/her attention.
  • Coordinate and monitor all phases of Loss Prevention in kitchen areas.
  • Prepare and submit required reports in a timely manner.
  • Monitor quality of all food product and presentation.
  • Ensure preparation of required reports, including (but not limited to) Wage progress, payroll, revenue, employee Schedules, quarterly action plans.
  • Oversee all aspects of the daily operation of the kitchen and food production areas; hot food from the main kitchen and bakery, and cold food from the pantry.
  • Make cooks aware of daily forecasts and customer counts so that they can be adequately prepared to serve both hot and cold food on time.
  • Know and enforce all local health department sanitation laws.
  • Know how to compute daily food cost.
  • Work with the Director of Food and Beverage to create and implement menus.
  • Assess food portion size, visual appeal, taste and temperature of items served.

Why join our team?

In addition to excellent working conditions and competitive pay, Watermark Baton Rouge offers a complete range of benefits to eligible team members.

  • Medical, dental and vision benefits.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Short-term and Long-term disability.
  • Team Member Assistance Plan.
  • Discounted Rooms Programs.
  • Paid Holidays.
  • Paid Vacation & Sick Time.
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.

Watermark Baton Rouge is Exactly Like Nothing Else!

Our one of a kind hotel is a part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection and boasts of a historic classic design both inside and out. Built as Baton Rouge's first "skyscraper" in the 1927, our iconic building started out as the headquarters for Louisiana Trust & Savings Bank. After more than 50 years serving as a banking institution, our landmark continues to be informally called the Old Louisiana National Bank building. The original architecture was Art Deco, but there are intriguing elements of Greek Revival design also present, making this one of the most eclectic and interesting structures in downtown Baton Rouge. Murals painted by celebrated New Orleans artist, Angela Gregory, have been painstakingly preserved and adorn the ceilings of our magnificent lobby and restaurant. Carved marble walls and a grand staircase lead down to the original bank vaults that held the treasures of Baton Rouge's elite. Towering above downtown overlooking the Mississippi River, Watermark Baton Rouge Hotel stands as a tribute to the city's history and elegance. Stunningly preserved, our beautiful public spaces and restaurants blend references of the 20's through the 60's with modern design.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

EP Watermark BR, LLC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic protected by law.

*This employer participates in E-Verify*