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Head Chef Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Moxies

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Moxies is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head Chef to lead our high-volume, premium casual kitchen in Washington, DC. This is a key leadership role for a hands-on culinary professional ...

Moxies

Head Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Moxies is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head Chef to lead our high-volume, premium casual kitchen in Washington, DC. This is a key leadership role for a hands-on culinary professional ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

College Park, MD · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Head Chefs are responsible for creating, planning, and executing all fresh, from scratch weekly menus with input from the client and Management team. Direct all food preparation and staff in ...

Five Iron Golf DC LLC

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The Head Chef is responsible for building and maintaining a high performing kitchen staff, keen on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Continually evaluate and improve the menu, with high value ...

MOUNT VERNON COUNTRY CLUB INC

Sous-chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

We are seeking a dedicated and talented professional to support our Head Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. This is an excellent ...

Ayat - D.C.

Assistant Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Key Responsibilities * Assist the Head Chef with daily food preparation and cooking * Maintain consistency in food quality and presentation * Ensure kitchen cleanliness and compliance with health and ...

Rose's Luxury

Head Cook

Washington, DC

$92K - $97K/yr

We are seeking a Head Chef to join our James Beard award winning team at one of our D.C Michelin starred restaurants: Rose's Luxury, Little Pearl, and Pineapple and Pearls, and Extra Fancy, our ...

Pineapple and Pearls

Chef

Washington, DC

$92K - $97K/yr

We are seeking a Head Chef to join our James Beard award winning team at one of our D.C Michelin starred restaurants: Rose's Luxury, Little Pearl, and Pineapple and Pearls, and Extra Fancy, our ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

College Park, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Work with the Head Chef, ensuring that food is prepared safely, efficiently, and according to specifications or requests. * Collaborate with the Chef to create seasonal, relevant and evolving menu ...

Ned's Club

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K/yr

Be working with the Head Chef to lead the team in the production of our food, compiling the daily mise-en-place, and ensuring that all food is cooked and presented to our exceptional Ned standards

Thomas Circle Living LLC

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

You will collaborate closely with the Head Chef and kitchen team to support smooth kitchen operations and timely food production. Ultimately, your work will contribute to an exceptional dining ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Reston, VA

Head Chef information

See Reston, VA salary details

$29.7K

$66.7K

$99K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Reston, VA is $66,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,100.00 and $78,200.00 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA? For Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Head Chef job openings:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,699 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Head Chef

Moxies

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Moxies is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head Chef to lead our high-volume, premium casual kitchen in Washington, DC.

This is a key leadership role for a hands-on culinary professional who thrives in a structured, systems-driven environment and has a proven background in multi-unit national restaurant brands.

The ideal candidate brings strong restaurant chain experience, with a deep understanding of operational consistency, recipe execution, and brand standards. Expertise with Crunchtime inventory systems is required, along with a demonstrated ability to manage food costs, control inventory, and drive kitchen efficiency.

As the Head Chef, you will be responsible for leading, coaching, and developing a large culinary team, creating a culture of accountability, performance, and growth. You will play a critical role in talent development, succession planning, and maintaining high engagement across the back-of-house team.

This role demands a leader who is both operationally excellent and people-focused, someone who can consistently deliver high-quality food, execute under pressure, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

A passion for hospitality, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential.

From handcrafted dishes to signature cocktails and award-winning hospitality. Moxies has invited our guests to savour the moment across 50+ locations in Canada and in the United States for more than 30 years.
Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers culinary excellence under a commitment to the craft of cooking and the personal mantra, “if it isn’t right, it doesn’t leave the kitchen.” Chef Brandon has created an entire menu of artfully crafted, fresh flavours exclusive to Moxies. All served in a captivating ambience by a team dedicated to making Moxies the best part of your day.