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Junior Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lobby Bar DC

Junior Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K - $56K/yr

Lobby Bar DC is looking for a motivated, hands-on Junior Sous Chef to join our kitchen leadership team. Located in the heart of Capitol Hill across from Eastern Market, Lobby Bar is a neighborhood ...

CNIC Careers

Junior Executive Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$36/hr

The Junior Executive Chef is a member of the Naval Academy Hospitality Culinary Team, within the Naval Academy Business Services Division. Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Retail Dining ...

CNIC Careers

Junior Executive Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$36/hr

The Junior Executive Chef is a member of the Naval Academy Hospitality Culinary Team, within the Naval Academy Business Services Division. Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Retail Dining ...

Naval Academy

Junior Executive Chef, #26-066

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Junior Executive Chef is a member of the Naval Academy Hospitality Culinary Team, within the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD), Annapolis, Maryland. NAFI is an entity ...

Posted today

Congressional Country Club

Junior Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$23.75/hr

If you answered yes to all the questions above, then you should know that the Congressional Country Club is seeking a Junior Sous Chef. Join our large resort/hotel-style culinary team. With multiple ...

Congressional Country Club

Junior Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$53K - $72K/yr

If you answered yes to all the questions above, then you should know that the Congressional Country Club is seeking a Junior Sous Chef. Join our large resort/hotel-style culinary team. With multiple ...

Congressional Country Club

Junior Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$23.75/hr

If you answered yes to all the questions above, then you should know that the Congressional Country Club is seeking a Junior Sous Chef. Join our large resort/hotel-style culinary team. With multiple ...

Ability Culinary

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Sous Chef / Junior Sous Chef Location: Washington, D.C. - Capital One Arena and Dupont Circle HQ Reports To: Executive Chef / Culinary Leadership Job Details Ability Culinary (ABLTY) brings refined ...

Posted today

CNIC Careers

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$25/hr

The Sous Chef will prepare food items required for all banquet events, including breakfast ... Experience training, coaching and leading junior kitchen personnel in consistent execution, proper ...

US Department of the Navy

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$25/hr

The Sous Chef will prepare food items required for all banquet events, including breakfast ... Experience training, coaching and leading junior kitchen personnel in consistent execution, proper ...

Irish Restaurant Company

SOUS CHEF

Severna Park, MD · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

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 ...

Irish Restaurant Company

SOUS CHEF

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

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 ...

Irish Restaurant Company

SOUS CHEF

Davidsonville, MD · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

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 ...

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Junior Chef information

See Washington salary details

$21.5K

$59.4K

$99.7K

How much do junior chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior chef in Washington is $59,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $65,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior chef?

Junior Chefs are entry-level culinary professionals who assist in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food in kitchens. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced chefs, such as Sous Chefs or Head Chefs, and help with basic tasks like chopping vegetables, maintaining cleanliness, and following recipes. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and is often the first step in a culinary career, allowing individuals to learn essential kitchen skills and gain exposure to a professional kitchen environment.

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

To thrive as a Junior Chef, you need a basic knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and a relevant qualification such as a culinary diploma or certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and HACCP protocols is important for daily operations. Strong teamwork, time management, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills that set standout Junior Chefs apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen performance, consistent food quality, and smooth collaboration in a demanding culinary environment.

What are some common challenges a junior chef might face when working in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Junior Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining composure during busy service hours, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and learning complex recipes quickly. Adapting to the kitchen's fast pace while ensuring consistency and quality in dishes can be demanding, especially when working alongside more experienced chefs. Developing strong communication skills and a keen sense of organization will help you overcome these hurdles and succeed in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Junior Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectJunior ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training or certificationOften similar, may require experience in kitchen
Work EnvironmentAssists senior chefs, works in kitchenPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer UsageHotels, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, hotels, catering
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level culinary rolesLearning specific station duties in kitchen

Junior Chefs and Line Cooks both work in kitchens and require culinary training. Junior Chefs often assist senior staff and may have broader responsibilities, while Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at specific stations during service. Both roles are common in similar settings, but Junior Chefs typically have a slightly higher level of responsibility and may be on a career path toward higher culinary positions.

How do you become a junior chef?

To become a junior chef, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue culinary training through vocational schools or culinary programs. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level kitchen positions helps develop basic cooking skills and knowledge of kitchen safety and hygiene standards.

How much do junior chefs make?

Junior chefs typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $15, with annual salaries between $20,000 and $30,000 depending on location, experience, and establishment. Entry-level positions often require basic culinary skills and may include on-the-job training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Chef jobs in Washington?

For Junior Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Chef jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Chef jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Junior Chef jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Junior Chef job openings:

Junior Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,418 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Junior Executive Chef

Commander, Navy Installations Command

Annapolis, MD • On-site, Remote

$36 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Commander, Navy Installations Command rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Summary
The Junior Executive Chef is a member of the Naval Academy Hospitality Culinary Team, within the Naval Academy Business Services Division. Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Retail Dining & Hospitality and the Senior Executive Chef, the Jr Executive Chef is responsible for assisting in the planning, organizing, and directing of daily food production, functions, including presentation, service, safety and sanitation practices for any of the establishments under the Hospitality purview.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Junior Executive Chef supports the Executive Chef in managing all culinary operations within the Central Kitchen, serving as the primary leader in daily production, quality assurance, and team development. This position ensures that food quality, consistency, and safety standards are maintained across multiple outlets including Drydock Restaurant, Grab-n-Go, Catering, and the Commissary Production Program. Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing all Central Kitchen operations and production teams.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate sous chefs, line cooks, and stewarding teams to maintain performance standards.
  • Enforce discipline, consistency, and accountability across all kitchen personnel.
  • Maintain a professional culture that reflects organization values-Preparation, Execution, Reflection, Accountability, and Excellence.
  • Direct day-to-day kitchen operations including prep, production, packaging, and distribution to multiple outlets.
  • Coordinate and schedule staff to meet daily production goals and special event needs.
  • Ensure all recipes, portion sizes, and plating guidelines are followed consistently across outlets.
  • Oversee inventory, product rotation, and daily usage to maintain tight cost control and minimize waste.
  • Verify that all food is prepared, held, and transported within safe temperature ranges.
  • Conduct daily quality control checks of finished products before release to outlets.
  • Ensure proper labeling, dating, and storage of all prepared items according to policy.
  • Uphold the Central Kitchen's commitment to scratch cooking using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Chef in recipe testing, development, and standardization.
  • Contribute to menu innovation for catering, restaurant, and grab-n-go programs.
  • Train staff on new recipes, techniques, and presentation standards.
  • Participate in the development and enforcement of SOPs for production, storage, and transport.
  • Maintain clear documentation and communication with the Executive Chef regarding operational performance.
  • Work closely with Stewarding, Purchasing, and Catering teams to ensure smooth coordination of logistics.
  • Communicate production needs and delivery schedules to outlet chefs and managers.
  • Mentor up-and-coming sous chefs and cooks for growth within the organization.
  • Model a standard of excellence and integrity consistent with the hospitality and service culture of the U.S. Naval Academy.
  • Maintain professional certifications and training related to food safety and leadership.
  • Physical demands Include walking and standing, lifting a maximum of 50lbs. Incumbent will work in an office setting, kitchen setting and in the areas of the catering events (at times, the events may be offsite).

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance - requires 18 years of age
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required - We are an E-Verify participant
  • Probationary period: Full Time employees serve a one-year probationary period. This position will also serve a concurrent one-year supervisory probationary period
  • U.S. Citizenship is required for Tier 3 Positions
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English
  • Participation in Direct Deposit
  • Must maintain the privacy of official work information and data, and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct

Qualifications
In order to meet the basic requirement of the Junior Executive Chef position, NF-1101-04, you must meet one of the following:
a) Three (3) years of specialized experience in a culinary role. Specialized experience includes: use of more advanced culinary techniques; preparing complete meals with several dishes for special diets; culinary supervision; OR
b) Three (3) full years of graduate level education.
YOU WILL BE RATED ON THE FOLLOWING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) FOR THIS POSITION:
  1. Experience leading, supervising, or managing a culinary team. Experience leading culinary teams for Banquets or large-scale events is preferred.
  2. Communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across culinary, stewarding, purchasing, and catering teams. Strong ability to lead, motivate, and discipline culinary staff while fostering a culture of accountability and pride.
  3. Proficiency in organizing workflow, managing par levels, and implementing standard operating procedures that support consistency and efficiency. Experience using food inventory software is preferred.
  4. Skill in menu scaling, recipe standardization, and production flow management for both retail and catering operations. Experience using recipe creation software is preferred.
  5. Knowledge and skill in using techniques or practices to maintain flavor balance, consistency, and presentation quality in demanding or multi-unit environments.

Additional information
Notes: Failure to provide the required information may result in loss of consideration for the position and elimination from the selection process. Applicants may be required to provide proof of education, complete a pre-hire health screening, etc. DON is an EEO employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or other non-merit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the office that is collecting the applications. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Automatic Retirement Enrollment, 401(k), Roth 401(k), and 401(k) Loan options; and Paid Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual.
Perks Included:
  • Use of the Brigade Sports Complex
  • Shop at the Midshipmen Store
  • Shop at the Navy Exchange
  • Potential membership eligibility at the Naval Academy Club
  • Use of MWR facilities
  • Eligible to join Navy Federal Credit Union
  • Eligible for childcare with CDC & NAPS
  • Use of Employee Assistance Program

Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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