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Head Chef Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Chef De Partie

Seattle, WA · On-site

$180 - $190/day

You'll also assist the Head and Sous Chef with guest meal prep, buffet setups, canapés, and action station service, and may be called on to help with inventory, provisioning, and sanitation efforts.

Lindblad Expeditions

Chef De Partie

Seattle, WA · On-site

$180 - $190/day

You'll also assist the Head and Sous Chef with guest meal prep, buffet setups, canapés, and action station service, and may be called on to help with inventory, provisioning, and sanitation efforts.

Lindblad Expeditions

Chef De Partie

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.50 - $27.25/hr

You'll also assist the Head and Sous Chef with guest meal prep, buffet setups, canapes, and action station service, and may be called on to help with inventory, provisioning, and sanitation efforts.

Lindblad Expeditions

Pastry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$225 - $239/day

Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll manage daily production, help with inventory and ordering, and uphold sanitation and food safety standards at all times. While baking and pastry is the ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pastry Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$225 - $239/day

Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll manage daily production, help with inventory and ordering, and uphold sanitation and food safety standards at all times. While baking and pastry is the ...

Lindblad Expeditions

Pastry Chef

Seattle, WA

Working closely with the Head Chef, you'll manage daily production, help with inventory and ordering, and uphold sanitation and food safety standards at all times. While baking and pastry is the ...

Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar

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Sous Chef

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

As the Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef and kitchen staff to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen and the delivery of exceptional food. Your culinary expertise, leadership ...

Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

As the Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef and kitchen staff to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen and the delivery of exceptional food. Your culinary expertise, leadership ...

Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

As the Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef and kitchen staff to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen and the delivery of exceptional food. Your culinary expertise, leadership ...

Alder & Ash

Sous Chef- Alder & Ash

Seattle, WA · On-site

$81K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of culinary excellence by overseeing kitchen operations, supervising staff, and collaborating with the head chef to maintain quality.

Alder & Ash

Sous Chef- Alder & Ash

Seattle, WA · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

The Sous Chef is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of culinary excellence by overseeing kitchen operations, supervising staff, and collaborating with the head chef to maintain quality.

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 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 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.
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For Head Chef jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,982 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Assistant Chef

Lindblad Expeditions

Seattle, WA • On-site

$190 - $200/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 20 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Our Assistant Chef is also the ship's Baker — a true dual role. You'll work alongside the galley team to prepare fresh meals for guests and crew, while owning the onboard baking: breads, desserts, cookies, and more, made from scratch each day. Beyond baking, you'll handle prep, load stores and provisions, keep the galley clean, and manage dishwashing — the full rhythm of a working expedition kitchen.
 
Candidates must be genuinely prepared for sustained physical demand in a remote, at-sea environment before applying.
 
WORK SCHEDULE
Chefs work an average of 12 hours per day, every day, with no days off throughout your 8-week rotation onboard. 
 
LIVING CONDITIONS 
Crew quarters are compact and shared — you will bunk with one or two roommates for the full duration of your rotation, with minimal personal space. The vessel operates in remote locations with limited or no port access between expeditions, so cell service and internet may be unavailable for extended periods. You must bring a sufficient supply of any prescription medications, as refills cannot be obtained while underway.
 
This lifestyle suits people who are adaptable, self-sufficient, and genuinely energized by close-knit team environments and remote travel. If those conditions sound like a challenge rather than an adventure, this may not be the right fit.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
This is a physically demanding role performed in a moving marine environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb steep interior stairs repeatedly throughout a 12-hour shift — including during periods of significant vessel motion. The employee must regularly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Work rotates continuously across cabin cleaning, dishwashing, laundry, and food service, often without extended breaks. Work is performed in confined spaces and high-humidity environments including the galley.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Food Preparation

Culinary

  • 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 for baking breads and desserts, executing breakfast, and completing other prep as directed by the Head Chef.
  • Supports the Head Chef in training and developing Pantry Chefs, fellow Assistant Chefs, and galley stewards in line with Company policies and menus.
Cleaning
  • Helps maintain the cleanliness of the galley and food storage areas.
  • Adheres to all CDC Vessel Sanitation Program and Health Canada requirements.
  • Assists with dishwashing as needed or assigned.
Food Stores
  • Assists in loading, handling, and properly storing food and related items to maintain appropriate stocking levels and ensure correct rotation of perishable and non-perishable goods.
Safety & Security
  • Participates in onboard safety training, meetings, and drills as directed by the Captain, including fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies.
  • Adheres to the Company's uniform policy to uphold its image, safety, and standards.
  • Participates in shoreside training as required by the Company.
  • Maintains familiarity with ISM codes and requirements.
  • Understands all duties under the Company Safety Management System and Emergency Station Billet.
 
DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 2 years restaurant or banquet cooking in positions of increasing responsibility, including line cooking and prep work.
  • Some baking experience — you don't need to be a trained pastry chef, just comfortable working with breads, desserts, and the like.
  • Good time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to get along with co-workers and support a team environment.
  • Experience with passenger vessels preferred.
Licenses/Certificates
  • USCG Medical Certificate — required
  • First Aid/CPR certification (current) — required
  • STCW Crowd Management — required
  • Maritime Security Awareness — required
  • STCW Basic Safety Training — preferred
  • Vessel Sanitation Public Health — preferred

Don't have all the required certifications yet? No problem — we'll help you obtain them during onboarding.

Target base salary for this role is $190–$200 per day, depending on experience and vessel. This reflects your total daily minimum compensation, broken down as:

  • $140–$150 base daily rate
  • $50 guaranteed daily tip

Any gratuities you earn beyond the $50 guarantee are yours to keep.

 
Our Benefits
Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  
Room and board when scheduled
Travel Day Pay
Travel Expenses Paid
Travel benefits for employees and their family  
Uniforms Provided
Training Opportunities

Employment is contingent on the following:
- In compliance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, 46 CFR Parts 4, 5, and 16, you will be required to undergo the following drug tests: post-offer prior to start date, random, reasonable cause, and serious marine incident per US Federal guidelines.
- Pre-offer background check; employment is contingent upon the results of this screening.
- Post-offer physical examination; your employment is dependent upon being determined fit for sea duty. 
Continued employment is dependent upon consent to and passing these tests.

Lindblad Expeditions continues to highly recommend that all new hires be up to date with all vaccines prior to the first day of employment and getting boosted annually when eligible, including those vaccines that protect against COVID-19. All crew must still comply with all country-specific vaccination requirements.

Communication Skills 
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The physical demands per position are described in the Job Analysis sheet and are available to all applicants upon request.

COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.