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Head Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Trilogy- Huntsville Downtown.

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for working alongside the head chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness and ...

New

Ascent Hospitality

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for working alongside the head chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness and ...

New

Ski Utah

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the Chef de Cuisine, Executive Chef, and Food & Beverage Director to meet daily operational needs of respective outlet culinary and BOH teams. As a Sous Chef you ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Executive Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Executive Chef Ruth's Chris Steak House Where legendary flavor meets refined leadership. Ruth's Chris Steak House is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and passionate Executive Chef to lead our kitchen ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Join Our Team as a Sous Chef at Ruth's Chris Steak House At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we believe in serving more than just a meal, we serve memorable experiences. Our signature sizzle, world-class ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and ...

American Cruise Lines

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

Ascent Hospitality

Executive Chef Marriott

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring excellence in all aspects of food service throughout the hotel by developing and executing high-quality innovative menus, managing and teaching culinary ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$60K - $77K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL

$60K - $77K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL

Head Chef information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$26.7K

$60K

$89.1K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Decatur, AL is $59,992.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $70,300.00 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 Decatur, AL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Decatur, AL?

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

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Head Chef job openings:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,992 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Sous Chef

Trilogy- Huntsville Downtown.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Ascent Hospitality has an extensive portfolio of hotels and a strong pipeline of new properties and acquisitions, but we’re not about numbers…we’re about people and that remains our foundation. Our culture expresses a memorable experience for all of our Team Members and guests alike. So we’re constantly looking for individuals who work well together for a unified purpose. For our leadership, we’re looking for accomplished individuals with a passion to serve others, strong communicators who clearly understand the needs of others and trendsetters who excel at challenges and change. If this is what you’re all about, consider joining our Team.
Ascent Hospitality is looking for a uniquely qualified hospitality leader to be our Sous Chef!
The Sous Chef is responsible for working alongside the head chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness and monitoring, ordering and stocking. Delivering high quality, cost effective dishes as well as being service oriented and creative.
BENEFITS:
  • Competitive Salary!
  • Benefits - Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and other supplemental options!
  • 401k with employer MATCH!
  • Paid PTO!
  • Uniforms Provided for most positions!
  • Team Member Hotel Discount Program!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • In the absence of the chef, supervise the kitchen and supervise the preparation and presentation of foods by overseeing all the food items are prepared according to specs.
  • Oversee and organize kitchen stock and ingredients
  • Ensure first in, first out food rotation system and verifies all food products are properly dated and organized for quality assurance
  • Keeps cooking stations stocked, especially before and during prime operation hours
  • Hires and trains new kitchen employees to standards
  • Manages food and product ordering by keeping detailed records and minimizes waste
  • Supervises all food preparation and presentation to ensure standards
  • Work with head chef to maintain kitchen organization, staff ability and training
  • Verifies food storage units all meet standards and are consistently well managed

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Must be able to understand, read, write and speak English, to effectively communicate with Team Members and Guests and to work with required recipes and menus etc.
  • Must adhere to and ensure that all health and safety standards are maintained in the kitchen.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee works with machinery with moving mechanical parts and must be able to safely and effectively utilize kitchen equipment and utensils that require focus and skill.
  • Must maintain a neat and professional appearance upholding Company appearance standards at all times.
  • Must be able to apply commonsense understanding, in carrying out instructions
  • Must be able to comply in standardized situations with little variation.
  • Must be available to work flexible days and shifts, including Holidays.
  • Must be able to work without constant supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to: stand on hard surfaces and be exposed to warm temperatures for long periods of time; use arms, hands and legs repetitively; handle, or feel various food products, utilize kitchen equipment and utensils; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee routinely is exposed to cold temperatures in freezers and walk-in refrigerators and hot temperatures from open flames on stoves and oven; is required to walk, balance, talk, hear, taste and smell.
  • Must regularly be able to carry and lift items in excess of 25 pounds without assistance.
  • Must be capable of effectively using close vision, distance vision, close and distant hearing, color vision and sense of smell and taste.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Two or more years’ experience in a similar role
  • Must have excellent customer service skills
  • Must obtain food Handler’s Certificate within 30 days of hire.
  • Must obtain ServSafe certification within 30 days (if not certified).
  • Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
  • Must be able to lead and motivate a team.

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