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Head Chef Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Little Pearl

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Support the Chef de Cuisine and Head Chef in daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, and staff supervision * Oversee daily kitchen activities, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency

Rose's Luxury

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Support the Chef de Cuisine and Head Chef in daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, and staff supervision * Oversee daily kitchen activities, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency

Halal Delivery

Line Cook

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Cook ingredients as directed by the head chef or sous chef, plating dishes as indicated by recipes * Adhere to all health and safety standards when preparing food * Provide assistance to the head ...

the Chef Agency

Kitchen Manager/Garde Manger

Burke, VA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Work collaboratively with the Head Chef and kitchen team to cook and prepare menu items according to established standards. * Follow recipes and plating guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and ...

Elizabeth's

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

We also require a head chef that can produce non-vegan menus for our catering clients. These events are typically short plated corporate dinners or intimate private dinners. Average guest counts ...

Compass Group

CHEF

Manassas, VA · On-site

$25/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time CHEF position. * Location : Micron - 9600 Godwin Drive, Manassas, VA 20110 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time schedule.

Compass Group

CHEF

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$27/hr

We are hiring immediately for a full-time CHEF position. * Address : George Mason University - 4353 Chesapeake River Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : The ...

Tatte Bakery & Cafe - Loudoun

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA

$68K - $81K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for overall kitchen execution in a fast paced, high volume environment in the absence of the Head Chef. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Oversee production and service according to ...

Tatte Holdings, LLC

Sous Chef - Tatte Reston

Reston, VA · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for overall kitchen execution in a fast paced, high volume environment in the absence of the Head Chef. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Oversee production and service according to ...

Tatte Holdings, LLC

Sous Chef - Downtown, DC

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

In the absence of the Head Chef, the Sous Chef is responsible for overall kitchen execution, ensuring adherence to recipe standards, food safety practices, operational procedures, and guest ...

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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 16, 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.

Sous Chef

Little Pearl

Washington, DC • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Rose’s Restaurant Group is seeking creative, passionate, and talented individuals to join our super awesome team. We are in the “making people happy” business, we just happen to serve great food and offer next-level hospitality. We work hard, make people happy, and have fun while we are doing it!

We are seeking a Sous 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 international events company.

Some Things to Know About Us:

Our mission is “To make this the most enjoyable place to work in and the most enjoyable place to dine”. This is the reason we are here. This is why we do what we do.

We are big on communication and organization. We believe these are huge keys to success. The better we are able to communicate and organize ourselves, the more success we will have.

We are big on teaching and growth. We work hard to make sure everyone is constantly growing and learning. We want everyone who works with us to become a better cook, barista, chef, manager, guest liaison, and most importantly, leader.

We like having fun. While we take our jobs very seriously, we also do so lightheartedly. In other words, we love to hustle and get better everyday but we also love to do it while laughing and having fun at the same time. (And yes, that is possible).

We have awesome benefits for full-time employees

  • 100% Company-paid medical benefits
  • 100% Company-paid dental benefits
  • Average 45-50 hour work-week for salaried employees
  • Unlimited Paid Time-off Policy for salaried employees
  • Parental Leave Plan
  • 401K plan
  • Complimentary gym membership
  • Employee Assistance Program (covers mental health services, legal services, and additional support)
  • Life insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Personal Financial Advisor services
  • Somm Certification Reimbursements
  • WMATA SmartBenefits program
  • Most major holidays off
  • Access to our Vision benefit program
  • Unlimited high fives!

Qualifications and skills:

Our ideal candidate will be culinary-focused with a minimum of two years of kitchen experience in upscale restaurant operations and someone who, most importantly, has a real passion for making people happy. They will be dependable, motivated to learn, committed to working as a team member, and possess excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Support the Chef de Cuisine and Head Chef in daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, and staff supervision
  • Oversee daily kitchen activities, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency
  • Lead the kitchen team during service, maintaining smooth coordination and clear communication between stations
  • Assist in managing inventory including ordering, receiving, and proper storage of ingredients
  • Ensure all health, safety, and sanitation standards are followed consistently across all kitchen stations
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspaces, prep areas, and storage
More detail about Little Pearl part of Rose's Restaurant Group, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/122476-Little-Pearl