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Highest Chef Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$83K - $88K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: $83,000 to $88,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus CULINAIRE provides ... This leadership position will oversee the culinary program with a major focus on the highest level ...

Assistant Executive Chef Salary Range-$60,000-70,000 (based on exp) Lead Culinary Excellence at ... Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety * Conducting ...

Head Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Miami, FL Salary: Up to $100,000 Benefits: Yes, TBD Relocation: locals only A premium grocery ... Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety, and operational excellence

Pastry Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Naples, FL Salary: up to 100k Benefits: Yes Relocation: Yes,within Florida An upscale organic ... Maintain the highest standards of presentation, quality, and food safety * Train and mentor the ...

Line Cook

Chatham, MA · On-site

$22 - $27.75/hr

Maintains the highest sanitary standards. * Coordinates and times orders with other kitchen ... Assists with other duties as assigned by Sous Chef. Salary Description $22.00 - $27.75

Sous Chef-TB

Amenia, NY

$52K - $71K/yr

- Sous Chef Salaried Position ($60,000.00- $75,000.00) Who We Are Be a part of history at Troutbeck ... You will act as a role model for Troutbeck?s culinary mission and ensure the highest quality of ...

Sous Chef

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Competitive salary * Dental insurance * Employee discounts * Health insurance * Opportunity for ... Maintain the highest standards of food preparation, presentation, and plating. * Oversee daily line ...

Executive Chef

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Raleigh, NC 27609 Salary: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 Responsibilities * Hiring, training, and ... Upholding the highest standards for food sanitation and quality * Consistently enforcing standards ...

Executive Chef

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Raleigh, NC 27609 Salary: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 Responsibilities * Hiring, training, and ... Upholding the highest standards for food sanitation and quality * Consistently enforcing standards ...

Sous Chef

Belmont, NC · On-site

$1.1K/wk

Committed to delivering the highest quality of food, product standards, sanitation and safety ... Salary Description Weekly salary $1192.31

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Raleigh, NC 27609 Salary: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 Responsibilities * Hiring, training, and ... Upholding the highest standards for food sanitation and quality * Consistently enforcing standards ...

Sous Chef

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Competitive salary * Dental insurance * Employee discounts * Health insurance * Opportunity for ... Maintain the highest standards of food preparation, presentation, and plating. * Oversee daily line ...

Sous Chef

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Committed to delivering the highest quality of food, product standards, sanitation and safety ... Salary Description 55K-65K

Executive Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Competitive Salary ranging from $85,000 - $94,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus. The Marshes of ... The chef will ensure recipes and standards are maintained and produce the highest quality food ...

Executive Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Competitive Salary ranging from $85,000 - $94,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus. The Marshes of ... The chef will ensure recipes and standards are maintained and produce the highest quality food ...

Executive Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Competitive Salary ranging from $85,000 - $94,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus. The Marshes of ... The chef will ensure recipes and standards are maintained and produce the highest quality food ...

Executive Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Competitive Salary ranging from $85,000 - $94,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus. The Marshes of ... The chef will ensure recipes and standards are maintained and produce the highest quality food ...

Executive Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Competitive Salary ranging from $85,000 - $94,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus. The Marshes of ... The chef will ensure recipes and standards are maintained and produce the highest quality food ...

Executive Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Competitive Salary ranging from $85,000 - $94,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus. The Marshes of ... The chef will ensure recipes and standards are maintained and produce the highest quality food ...

Executive Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Competitive Salary ranging from $85,000 - $94,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus. The Marshes of ... The chef will ensure recipes and standards are maintained and produce the highest quality food ...

Showing results 21-40

Highest Chef Salary information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do highest chef salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for highest chef salary in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary a chef can earn?

The highest salaries for chefs are typically earned by executive chefs at prestigious restaurants, luxury hotels, or as private chefs for celebrities. In the United States, top chefs can earn well over $100,000 annually, with some celebrity chefs making millions through television appearances, endorsements, and their own restaurant chains. Factors influencing a chef's earnings include experience, reputation, location, and the type of establishment they work for. Additionally, chefs who own their own restaurants or have a strong personal brand can significantly increase their income. However, achieving these top salaries requires years of experience, exceptional skill, and often a strong media presence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary expertise, menu planning skills, and extensive kitchen management experience, often gained through culinary school and several years in progressively responsible kitchen roles. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) is essential. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for inspiring teams, innovating menus, and maintaining high standards. These skills ensure operational efficiency, consistent food quality, and a positive dining experience, all crucial for success in top chef positions.

What factors can influence the salary potential for chefs at the highest levels?

At the highest levels, a chef's salary is influenced by several factors, including the reputation and location of the establishment, years of experience, culinary awards, and the ability to manage large teams or multiple venues. Chefs who work in fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, or as executive chefs for renowned hospitality groups tend to earn the most. Additionally, those who build a public profile through media appearances, cookbooks, or ownership of multiple restaurants can significantly increase their earning potential.

What is the difference between Highest Chef Salary vs Sous Chef?

AspectHighest Chef SalarySous Chef
Required CredentialsProfessional culinary certifications, extensive experienceCooking experience, culinary training, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLuxury restaurants, hotels, private estatesRestaurants, hotels, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageHigh-end establishments, culinary competitionsMost restaurants and hospitality venues

The Highest Chef Salary typically exceeds that of a Sous Chef due to higher experience, leadership roles, and working in upscale environments. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, the highest-paid chefs often hold executive or specialized positions, reflecting their advanced expertise and responsibilities.

What are the highest paid chefs?

Executive chefs and head chefs typically earn the highest salaries among culinary professionals, with top earners in luxury restaurants or private estates making over $100,000 annually. Specialized skills, extensive experience, and working in high-end establishments or metropolitan areas can significantly increase earning potential.
More about Highest Chef Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Highest Chef Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Highest Chef Salary job openings:

What states have the most Highest Chef Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Highest Chef Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Highest Chef Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Highest Chef Salary jobs are:

Infographic showing various Highest Chef Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Executive Chef

Compass Group

Little Rock, AR • On-site

$83K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 500 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: Executive Chef
Salary: $83,000 to $88,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus
CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to a very diverse collection of national accounts to include art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. While our portfolio is diverse, the one constant in every operation that we manage is our total commitment to our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to provide sophisticated, delicious food and warm service to our guests.
www.culinaireintl.com
Exciting Opportunity
We are seeking a high energy, highly creative professional Executive Chef to lead the culinary team at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA). Opened in 2023, the internationally acclaimed AMFA has become known as "America's most inviting Art Museum", with its stunning design, and world class art collection.
This leadership position will oversee the culinary program with a major focus on the highest level of creativity in catering and will oversee the award-winning Park Grill restaurant. Our Culinary mission will combine art and dining, presenting a locally sourced and inspired cuisine with high standards of sustainability
Job Summary
Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional.
Relocation allocation provided
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
  • Have to work banquets
  • Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
  • Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
  • Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
  • Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
  • Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
  • Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
  • Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A.S. or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
  • Extensive catering experience a plus
  • Luxury Hotel and/or fine dining exp
  • High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences
  • Hands-on chef experience a must
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
  • ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Apply to Culinaire today!
Culinaire is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story http://www.compass-usa.com/our-story
Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Culinaire-Landing-Page_Feb2026.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Culinaire maintains a drug-free workplace.

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