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Head Chef Jobs in Longview, WA (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef - Kelso

Kelso, WA · On-site

$101.92/hr

Head Chef - Kelso Apply now Job no: 494985 Work type: Full time Location: Kelso Categories: Chef/Cook Are you an awesome Chef and Leader? Well, we want you! If you are passionate, honest and driven ...

Sous Chef

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Portland-USA-97218 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $66,000.00 - 78,000.00 About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted ...

Sous Chef

Ridgefield, WA · On-site

$66K - $78K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Portland-USA-97218 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $66,000.00 - 78,000.00 About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted ...

Chef - Kelso

Kelso, WA · On-site

$101.92/hr

Chef - Kelso Apply now Job no: 494901 Work type: Full time Location: Kelso Categories: Chef/Cook You are searching for a role that balances your passion for great food with time for a life away from ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Ridgefield, WA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Working as an Executive Chef , you are responsible for overseeing all culinary functions for a dining account. You will manage and lead a team of associates and oversee all safety and sanitation as ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Ridgefield, WA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Working as an Executive Chef , you are responsible for overseeing all culinary functions for a dining account. You will manage and lead a team of associates and oversee all safety and sanitation as ...

Working as an Executive Chef , you are responsible for overseeing all culinary functions for a dining account. You will manage and lead a team of associates and oversee all safety and sanitation as ...

Asian Cuisine Chef

Kelso, WA · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

A Day in the Life: As a Chinese Food Cook, you prepare, with a focus on quality, the food served within our Chinese food area of the delicatessen. You work with a variety of cooking tools, utensils ...

Asian Cuisine Chef

Kelso, WA

$71K - $98K/yr

A Day in the Life: As a Chinese Food Cook, you prepare, with a focus on quality, the food served within our Chinese food area of the delicatessen. You work with a variety of cooking tools, utensils ...

Asian Cuisine Chef

Kelso, WA · On-site

$23.18 - $24.18/hr

A Day in the Life: As a Chinese Food Cook, you prepare, with a focus on quality, the food served within our Chinese food area of the delicatessen. You work with a variety of cooking tools, utensils ...

Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view. At American Cruise Lines, we ...

Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

While living onboard, our Chefs enjoy comfortable living quarters and a challenging culinary working environment. Our galleys are well equipped with a spectacular view. At American Cruise Lines, we ...

Head Chef information

See Longview, WA salary details

$30.7K

$68.9K

$102.3K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Longview, WA is $68,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $80,800.00 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 Longview, WA?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Longview, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Longview, WA?

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

What cities near Longview, WA are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Longview, WA with the most Head Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Longview, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,916 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Head Chef - Kelso

Whiddon

Kelso, WA • On-site

$101.92/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Head Chef - Kelso

Apply now Job no: 494985
Work type: Full time
Location: Kelso
Categories: Chef/Cook

Are you an awesome Chef and Leader? Well, we want you! If you are passionate, honest and driven, but you love to have fun, this could be the role for you.

An exciting and rare opportunity has become available for an enthusiastic, go-getter to join our Whiddon Kelso team as our amazing Head Chef. This role is suited for an experienced Chef/Foodie who is obsessed with service. You are outgoing, a communicator with a passion for excellence and you are ready for a challenge.

This is the ideal position for someone who is looking to take the next step in their career. We are looking for an innovative and logical thinker who loves to drive teams and culture. You are resident focused in all that you do, and your aim with all activities is to please. You are enthusiastic about 'what's next' and you are no stranger to coaching and mentoring Chefs to be the best version of themselves.

The role of Head Chef is exciting, challenging and provides the opportunity to make a real difference. The responsibilities of this role include:

  • Being awesome and be able to create the WOW factor, leading by example, showing the team how to do things differently and keep the buzz going.
  • Working with a dedicated team and mentoring your Sous Chef, Food and Dining Experience Supervisor and team of chefs and catering team members
  • Creating energy and drive quality and excellence, while implementing innovative thinking and products.
  • Working with a team of experienced, energetic - Hospitality Management Team from support services.
  • Implementing innovative thinking and products
  • Being fun, light-hearted but professional and passionate
  • Training and demonstrations with your team and residents
  • Food safety and mandatory paperwork reviews with corrective actions and follow up.
  • Spend time with your team and create an environment of open communication

We are hoping you will join our fantastic Whiddon family in Kelso, on a permanent full-time basis.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Whiddon, we provide our people with benefits that will enhance their experience and provide them with things they actually want and will use. Our benefits are centred around 'Five Pillars' - mind, body, financial, social and career.

  • Employee Assistance Program for when you need extra support
  • Work/life balance. No late nights or unpredictable hours!
  • Salary Packaging options so you can keep more of your pay. Did you know that by salary packaging, you can increase your hourly rate by more than $2? This is how:
    • Up to $611.53 per fortnight to pay your mortgage, rent, school fees, etc.
    • Up to $101.92 per fortnight to pay entertainment activities like cafes, restaurants, etc.
    • Remote living options including rent and mortgage packaging, utilities and holiday transport.
    • Novated leasing, a financial wellness program, a personal car buying service and a rewards program through our partners.
  • Quarterly gifts, including Cost of living voucher, ACE Day, Christmas gifting and other ad-hoc gifts from time to time.
  • Access to retail benefits and perks, including great discounts, and passes to the cinema, tickets to concerts or sports events, food vouchers, and more!
  • Employee Referral Program. Get paid up to $500 to refer our next Whiddon star.
  • Learning, learning, learning. Whiddon Scholarships Programs, Leadership Development Programs, Traineeships and more... we want to support your educational journey!
  • Get recognised for your great work! Just in Time Recognition, Milestone Celebrations, Everyday Heroes, Annual Awards night and more.
  • Recognition for successfully completing your probation period.
  • Locations across NSW and QLD. If you need to relocate or wish to transfer between our Homes

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit a copy of your resume addressing the above criteria. To find out more about this position and the benefits of a career at Whiddon then visit our website https://www.whiddon.com.au/careers/

Please note all successful candidates are required to provide evidence of NDIS Workers Check.


Advertised: 28 Jul 2026
Applications close:

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