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Head Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bella Milano

Sous Chef

Springfield, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, want to really cook? Bella Milano is accepting applications from highly-energetic, take charge individuals who want an opportunity to utilize their skills ...

Bella Milano

Sous Chef

Springfield, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Tired of pre-made sauces and microwaves, want to really cook? Bella Milano is accepting applications from highly-energetic, take charge individuals who want an opportunity to utilize their skills ...

All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL

Head Chef information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$28.2K

$63.4K

$94.2K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Springfield, IL is $63,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $74,300.00 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 a median annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $75,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially for those with advanced culinary skills and management experience.

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 does a head chef's salary?

The average salary for a head chef varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $45,000 to $80,000 annually. In high-end restaurants or metropolitan areas, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially for those with advanced culinary skills and management experience.

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 does a head chef do?

A head chef, also known as executive chef, is responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations, managing staff, creating menus, ensuring food quality and safety, and controlling costs. They coordinate with suppliers, train kitchen staff, and ensure the restaurant meets health regulations. Strong leadership, culinary skills, and organizational abilities are essential for this role.

What is the highest salary for a head chef?

The highest salaries for head chefs can exceed $100,000 annually, especially in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs. Factors such as experience, location, restaurant size, and reputation influence earning potential, with some executive chefs earning bonuses and profit sharing in addition to base pay.

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.

More about Head Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Springfield, IL? For Head Chef jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Head Chef job openings:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,425 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Supervisor - Saint John's Breadline

Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

Springfield, IL • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

Responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations and managerial duties of the St. John’s Breadline regarding planning, preparing and serving meals, managing kitchen staff and volunteers, and following rules and procedures including Public Health and Catholic Charities regulations, procedures, and guidelines. Will also serve guests in a courteous manner that promotes human dignity.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Directs Breadline employees and volunteers and performs work as necessary to ensure:
    • wholesome food items are served on a timely basis
    • all food items, both donated and purchased, are used in an efficient manner and are stored in an efficient, safe, orderly, and logical manner
    • food storage areas are maintained in a clean and safe manner
    • dishes, pots, pans, utensils, floors, kitchen equipment, walls and tables are washed daily and otherwise maintained in compliance with all Health Department and SJB regulations and guidelines
  • Enforces Breadline rules with sensitivity and firmness, while maintaining dignity and respect for the staff, guests, and volunteers. This requires that the supervisor be present in the serving area throughout the serving time. Utilizes corrective actions, as directed, to address workplace behavior that is not consistent with employee code of conduct, health and safety guidelines.
  • Directs staff in picking up food donations and supplies daily.
  • Informs Area Director of kitchen and building maintenance and/or equipment issues.
  • Serves as Head Chef; develops, plans and executes daily menu. Manages donated food with focus on decreasing food waste and increasing cost-effectiveness.
  • Recommends changes in policies, procedures and operations to the Area Director.
  • Welcomes, trains, assists and directs volunteers.
  • In conjunction with the Area Director, ensures adequate staff and volunteers are on shift. (Schedules Public Service Workers, regular volunteers and weekend group volunteers, and covers staff call-ins).
  • In conjunction with the Area Director, tracks and records meals, volunteers, community service and other data for reporting purposes in accordance with Health Department regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities, Education and Experience:

  • Culinary Degree or Certificate, or two years’ food service management experience.
  • Knowledge of kitchen sanitation and safety regulations. Must have or be willing to become a Certified Food Protection Manager, as required by IL Dept. of Public Health.
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Conflict management skills
  • Ability to manage a team in a fast-paced work environment
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Sensitivity and respect for people in need and the ability to work within the philosophy of the Catholic Charities mission.


Related Job Requirements: Weekend and holiday work as required. Some travel is required. 24-hour availability.

Who We Are:

Catholic Charities is proud of its 100 year history of providing vital social services in our Diocese. As the official social service arm of the Catholic Church, we maintain a substantial presence in ten communities throughout our twenty-eight counties of central Illinois. Area Offices operate in the communities of Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Qunicy, and Springfield. In addition, Catholic Charities manages facilities in Alton (Catholic Children's Home) and Beardstown (The St. Anne Residence). The agency has earned national reaccreditation through COA, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, which certifies that all programs meet best practice social service standards.

Our vast array of "Continuum of Care" services include professional counseling solutions, senior services and guardianship, healthcare, residential care, independent living; special education, Intact Family Services, food and clothing distribution, St. John's Breadline, Meals on Wheels in Decatur, the Crisis Assistance Program, MedAssist, Mobile Food Pantry, Catholic Charities Legal Services, the St. Anne Residence and discount resale stores. Catholic Charities seeks to respond to the needs of its communities through these diverse programs. Every year, this objective is realized as literally thousands of children and families are positively impacted by our efforts.

Catholic Charities offers a robust benefits package including:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life
  • 403(b) & Pension Plan
  • Vacation, Sick, & Personal Time
  • 14.5 Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program

***Although being a member of the Catholic faith is not a requirement to be employed by Catholic Charities, it is expected and required of all employees to respect, support and uphold the mission of Catholic Charities which is “to extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus”.