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Head Chef Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00 per year About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a ...

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00 per year About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a ...

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA

$80K - $110K/yr

Fast-growing company looking for a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented Head Chef to join! **How to Apply: To proceed with your application, please complete our online application using the link ...

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA

$80K - $110K/yr

Fast-growing company looking for a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented Head Chef to join! **How to Apply: To proceed with your application, please complete our online application using the link ...

Heart n Belly

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Paid time off Fast-growing company looking for a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented Head Chef to join! **How to Apply: To proceed with your application, please complete our online application ...

SkyChefs - Seattle

Head Chef

Seatac, WA

$95K - $105K/yr

Role Purpose Statement The Head Chef collaborates closely with the Executive Chef to ensure exceptional daily food production at our Customer Service Center (CSC). Every dish reflects authenticity ...

Elior-Independent-School-Dining

Head Chef

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$27/hr

Head Chef Job Reference Number: 39266 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Education Brand: Elior-Independent-School-Dining Location: Tacoma , Washington (US-WA) The Role at a glance: We are ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Shipboard Head Chef

Seattle, WA

ABOUT THE ROLE In this hands-on role, the Shipboard Head Chef is responsible for all aspects of culinary operations on the ship, including prepping, cooking, and plating dishes as the lead of the 6 ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Shipboard Head Chef

Seattle, WA

ABOUT THE ROLE In this hands-on role, the Shipboard Head Chef is responsible for all aspects of culinary operations on the ship, including prepping, cooking, and plating dishes as the lead of the 6 ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Shipboard Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

ABOUT THE ROLE In this hands-on role, the Shipboard Head Chef is responsible for all aspects of culinary operations on the ship, including prepping, cooking, and plating dishes as the lead of the 6 ...

JOEY Restaurants

Head Chef - JOEY Bellevue

Bellevue, WA

$85K - $125K/yr

As a Head Chef, you will directly contribute to the overall success of a multi-million-dollar restaurant and its people. In this role, you are responsible for leading your team's deliverables and ...

JOEY Restaurants

Head Chef - JOEY Bellevue

Bellevue, WA

$85K - $125K/yr

As a Head Chef, you will directly contribute to the overall success of a multi-million-dollar restaurant and its people. In this role, you are responsible for leading your team's deliverables and ...

JOEY Restaurants

Head Chef - JOEY Southcenter

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

As a Head Chef, you will directly contribute to the overall success of a multi-million-dollar restaurant and its people. In this role, you are responsible for leading your team's deliverables and ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

Assists the Head Chef and/or Assistant Chef in preparing food items as directed. * Assists the Head Chef in supervising and training the galley steward. Galley Cleaning * Cleans countertops, working ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

Assists the Head Chef and/or Assistant Chef in preparing food items as directed. * Assists the Head Chef in supervising and training the galley steward. Galley Cleaning * Cleans countertops, working ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pantry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$18.25 - $22/hr

Assists the Head Chef and/or Assistant Chef in preparing food items as directed. * Assists the Head Chef in supervising and training the galley steward. Galley Cleaning * Cleans countertops, working ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Assistant Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$190 - $200/day

Assists the Head Chef in preparing all guest and crew meals in accordance with Company menu matrix and recipes. * Cooks and prepares food as a member of the galley staff, with primary responsibility ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Renton, WA

Head Chef information

See Renton, WA salary details

$32.1K

$72K

$106.9K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Renton, WA is $71,982.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,200.00 and $84,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Chef, and why are they important?

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.

How much do head chefs make on average?

The average salary for a head chef is around $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Experienced head chefs in high-end establishments can earn over $80,000 annually, especially with additional certifications or specialized skills. Salaries may also include benefits such as bonuses and tips in some settings.

How much does a head chef's salary?

The salary of a head chef typically ranges from $45,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. In high-end establishments or major cities, salaries can exceed $100,000. Many head chefs also receive benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and paid time off.

What are Head Chefs?

Head Chefs are the leaders of a kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations in a restaurant or food service establishment. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain health and safety standards. Head Chefs also handle inventory, order supplies, and may be involved in budgeting and cost control. Their role is both creative and managerial, making them essential to the success of any professional kitchen.

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 is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among culinary professionals, especially in fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs. Their compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and profit sharing, often exceeding $70,000 annually depending on location and experience.
More about Head Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Renton, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Renton, WA? For Head Chef jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Head Chef job openings:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Renton, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,982 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Head Chef

Sky Chefs

Seattle, WA

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef 
Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 
Work Location Type: On-Site 
Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00  per year 

About us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Role Purpose Statement

The Head Chef collaborates closely with the Executive Chef to ensure exceptional daily food production at our Customer Service Center (CSC). Every dish reflects authenticity, adheres to company standards, and meets both menu specifications and customer expectations.


 
As the Executive Chef’s trusted partner, the Head Chef also assumes full operational leadership in their absence, maintaining seamless kitchen operations and consistently high standards.

Main Accountabilities
  • Supports all food production activities in the Hot and Cold Kitchen in responsible CSC which include but not limited to the following.
  • Identifying deviations in inventories and production, initiates countermeasures if necessary
  • Supports the controls and adjust of production plans, estimates consumption of food and equipment required to execute the daily production.
  • Ensures compliance of recipe specifications and conducts sense-checks (Gold Standards)
  • Participates in the development of food products and menus as needed.
  • Must be aware of content in catering manuals; updates and distributes them within responsible CSC 
  • Supports the cost controlling of the budget, personnel and material costs
  • Participates in menu presentations internal and external
  • The coordination and controls countermeasures in the production in case of customer complaints
  • Helps to develop and support existing training strategy and training plans for kitchen staff in responsible CSC
  • Represents kitchen and kitchen staff in front of external stakeholders
  • Actively researches and incorporates industry innovations and emerging food trends, ensuring continuous alignment and collaboration with Design Chefs.
  • Participates in marketing activities as needed
  • Ensures quality of goods received
  • Guarantees tidiness in food storage in the responsible CSC is maintained and first in - first out principle is followed
  • Guarantees adherence to hygiene, health and safety standards and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations in responsible CSC 
  • Ensure that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed and directed
  • Guide, motivate and develop the subordinate employees within the Human Resources Policy
  • Make the company's values and management principles live in the department(s)
  • Implement and control the cost budget in the area of responsibility; initiate and steer corrective actions in case of deviations
  • Participate and support company sponsored initiatives such as Global Quality Standard (GQS), HACCP, Lean Manufacturing
     
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Five years of experience in commercial cooking.
  • Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school
  • Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef, design chef,) or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Certification with the American Culinary Federation a plus
  • Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (example: HACCP)
  • Good communication and organizational skills
  • Service orientation
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications 
     

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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