ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Chef Jobs in Madison, AL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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 ...

Ruth's Chris Sizzling Steak Concepts

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

$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

$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 ...

Valor Hospitality Partners

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Menu and events : Assist the executive chef with menu development and implementation; coordinate culinary offerings for special events, banquets, and catering. * Communication and collaboration

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Madison, AL

Head Chef information

See Madison, AL salary details

$25.5K

$57.3K

$85.1K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Madison, AL is $57,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,800.00 and $67,200.00 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 Madison, AL?

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Madison, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Madison, AL are:

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

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

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Madison, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,337 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Restaurant Manager

Bad Daddy's International

Madison, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Bad Daddy's Burger Bar rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Salary pay range between $52,000 to $58,000 depending on experience!
Weekly Pay!
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar is on the lookout for a Badass Restaurant Manager or Kitchen Manager to join our team!
What's in it for me? Good question!
• Opportunity for performance-based salary increases two times a year.
• Lucrative monthly, quarterly, and annual bonus plan.
• Paid Vacation, sick days, and parental leave.
• Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Tuesday after Labor Day (Bad Daddy's Labor Day) paid off.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and matching 401k plans.
• You get to have a voice in an un-corporate company.
• Growth and development opportunities.
We want to know that you:
• Have proven leadership experience in a hospitality setting.
• Can have fun and joke around while still getting the job done.
• Have a passion for developing and coaching people by lifting them up.
• Are driven, organized, patient, and an expert at communicating.
• Rise up in moments where everything seems to be going crazy - an employee calls off for the day, you have a bent out of shape guest in the dining room and something in the restaurant is not working properly (yes, all of us fellow restaurant managers have been there).
What does my day look like?
• Run the floor or kitchen creating a positive employee and guest experience!
• Interview, hire, train, develop and coach your team (nothing but good feelings).
• Administrative activities like inventory, completing FOH and BOH orders, and monitoring the safe (work those brain muscles).
• Ensure food safety, quality and presentation are on par while drooling over some tasty-looking burgers and conducting line checks (satisfaction).
• Support in the kitchen, bar, and dining room during peak hours (you, doing you).
Bad Daddy's is an Equal Opportunity and Inclusive Employer
Note - A background check including criminal, motor vehicle, and employment history will be conducted at time of offer.
*Please note the Assistant Restaurant Manager position could fall in line with these types of positions: Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, Service Manager, Bar Manager, Hospitality Manager, Assistant General Manager, and Culinary Manager.

What Bad Daddy's Burger Bar employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply