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Head Chef Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

SOUS CHEF

Davidsonville, MD · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

When the head chef is away, the sous chef is in charge. Leads kitchen team in chef's absence. Provides guidance to junior kitchen staff members, including, but not limited, to line cooking, food ...

CHEF

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

HEAD OF CULINARY Washington, DC Call Your Mother is a Jewish deli where "Boca meets Brooklyn." The husband‑and‑wife team that founded the brand created a casual, nostalgic place for bagel ...

Head Sushi Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$1.2K - $1.8K/wk

Overview The Head Sushi Chef leads sushi preparation and service, upholding the venue's high standards for quality, precision, and presentation. This role oversees workflow, maintains an organized ...

Sous Chef - Downtown, DC

Washington, DC · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Sous Chef - Downtown, DC

Washington, DC · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Chef information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$29.5K

$66.2K

$98.2K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Silver Spring, MD is $66,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,700.00 and $77,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Head Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Head Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,156 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

$50K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description:
Experienced SOUS CHEF for busy Severna Park Restaurant.
Sous chefs make sure that the kitchen is a well-oiled machine, preparing food, managing the kitchen staff to make sure food prepared quickly and as delicious as possible, and enforcing food safety standards. When the head chef is away, the sous chef is in charge. Leads kitchen team in chef's absence. Provides guidance to junior kitchen staff members, including, but not limited, to line cooking, food preparation, and dish plating. Oversees and organizes kitchen stock and ingredients.
Summary of Position:
Works under the direction of Chef and GM for all Kitchen Operations, including food purchasing, preparation and maintenance of quality standards; sanitation and cleanliness; training of employees in methods of cooking, preparation, plate presentation, portion and cost control. SOUS CHEF will act at all times in accordance with core values of company and work toward the success of the department and the restaurant operation as a whole.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Ensure that all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to the restaurant's recipes, portioning, cooking and serving standards.
• Make employment and termination decisions including interviewing, hiring, evaluating and disciplining kitchen personnel as appropriate.
• Provide orientation of company and department rules, policies and procedures and oversee training of new kitchen employees.
• Fill in where needed to ensure guest service standards and efficient operations.
• Prepare all required paperwork, including forms, reports and schedules in an organized and timely manner.
• Ensure that all equipment is kept clean and kept in excellent working condition through personal inspection and by following preventative maintenance programs or arranging for the same.
• Work with restaurant managers to plan and price menu items. Establish portion sizes and prepare standard recipe cards for all new menu items.
• Ensure that all products are ordered according to predetermined product specifications and received in correct unit count and condition and deliveries are performed in accordance with the restaurant's receiving policies and procedures.
• Control food cost and usage by following proper ordering procedures and practices, product storage procedures, standard recipes and waste control procedures.
• Oversee and ensure that restaurant policies on employee performance appraisals are followed and completed on a timely basis.
• Schedule labor as required by anticipated business activity while ensuring that all positions are staffed when and as needed and labor cost objectives are met.
• Be knowledgeable of restaurant policies regarding personnel and administer prompt, fair and consistent corrective action for any and all violations of company policies, rules and procedures.
• Oversee the training of kitchen personnel in safe operation of all kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Responsible for training kitchen personnel in cleanliness and sanitation practices.
• Responsible for maintaining appropriate cleaning schedules for kitchen floors, mats, walls, hoods, other equipment and food storage areas.
• Check, maintain and record proper food holding and refrigeration temperature control points.
• Provide safety training in first aid, CPR, lifting and carrying objects and handling hazardous materials.
• Continually work toward the improvement of all training tools and job descriptions provided for all kitchen department positions
• Assist and direct the training time allocated for kitchen operations to any front of house staff or management team member that will be scheduled for kitchen orientation
• Be knowledgeable and engaged in Budget process and capable of active discussion on goals and targets set for kitchen operation particularly in Food cost and Kitchen labor
Requirements:
Qualifications:
• A minimum of 2-5 years of experience in varied kitchen positions including food preparation, line cook, fry cook and expediter.
• At least 6 months experience in a similar capacity.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with managers, kitchen, and dining room personnel
and guests.
• Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 9 hours).
• Be ServSafe Certified OR willing to obtain certification within a timely manner and the support of the team.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends - flexible schedule.
Additional Info:
Salary to commensurate with experience and validated references.