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Live In Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... lounges, and live music venues. Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate ... Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private ...

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI

$67K - $92K/yr

... lounges, and live music venues. Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate ... Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Sous Chef

Mackinac Island, MI · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Sous Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Sous Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Sous Chef

Mackinac Island, MI · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food ... live up to everyday. Duties & Responsibilities: * Plan, organize and direct the work of cooks and ...

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food ... live up to everyday. Duties & Responsibilities: * Plan, organize and direct the work of cooks and ...

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food ... live up to everyday. Duties & Responsibilities: * Plan, organize and direct the work of cooks and ...

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food ... live up to everyday. Duties & Responsibilities: * Plan, organize and direct the work of cooks and ...

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food ... live up to everyday. Duties & Responsibilities: * Plan, organize and direct the work of cooks and ...

Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food ... live up to everyday. Duties & Responsibilities: * Plan, organize and direct the work of cooks and ...

Sushi Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

If you live and breathe Japanese cuisine and take pride in every roll you create, we want to hear ... Proven experience as a Sushi Chef or Sushi Cook in a professional kitchen setting * Proficiency in ...

Executive Chef

Mackinac Island, MI · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

Sushi Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

If you live and breathe Japanese cuisine and take pride in every roll you create, we want to hear ... Proven experience as a Sushi Chef or Sushi Cook in a professional kitchen setting * Proficiency in ...

Executive Chef

Mackinac Island, MI · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing ... This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment ...

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Live In Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$21

$38

How much do live in chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in chef in Michigan is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Live In Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Live In Chef, you need strong culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and a background in food safety, often supported by culinary school training or chef certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, dietary management software, and inventory systems is typically required. Excellent organizational abilities, discretion, and the capacity to adapt to clients' preferences are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality meals, maintaining a harmonious household, and meeting the specific needs of clients in a private setting.

What are live-in chefs?

Live-in chefs are professional cooks who reside at their employer's residence to prepare meals on a full-time basis. They are responsible for planning menus, shopping for ingredients, and cooking daily meals tailored to the household's preferences and dietary requirements. In addition to meal preparation, live-in chefs may also handle kitchen organization, staff management, and special event catering. This arrangement offers families the convenience of personalized, high-quality meals without needing to dine out or cook themselves. Live-in chefs often work for private households, estates, or high-profile individuals.

What are some unique challenges a Live In Chef may face compared to traditional restaurant chefs?

A Live In Chef often navigates the balance between privacy and professionalism, as they work within a client's home and may have to adjust to the household's routines and preferences. Unlike restaurant chefs, they typically manage all aspects of the kitchen, including meal planning, grocery shopping, and maintaining the kitchen's cleanliness. Flexibility is crucial, as schedules can change and dietary needs may shift quickly. Building strong communication and trust with the household is essential for success and long-term satisfaction in this role.

What is the difference between Live In Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectLive In ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications often preferredCulinary training, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentResides on client’s property, works full-timePrepares meals at client’s home, flexible hours
Employer & IndustryLuxury households, private estatesIndividuals, families, small groups
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for full-time, on-site culinary staffSeeking personalized, on-demand meal services

Live In Chefs typically reside on the client’s property, working full-time and providing daily meal preparation. Personal Chefs usually work on a part-time basis, preparing meals in the client’s home without residing there. Both roles require culinary skills, but Live In Chefs often need additional certifications and experience for full-time residence and duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Live In Chef jobs in Michigan? For Live In Chef jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Live In Chef jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Live In Chef jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Live In Chef jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Live In Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Live In Chef job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Locum Tenens, 67% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,647 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Executive Chef

Harper Associates

Grosse Pointe, MI • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI
Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe
Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, one of Metro Detroit's premier fine dining restaurants, cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate supporter of the arts and jazz, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe was created to provide an intimate atmosphere where exceptional hospitality, chef-driven cuisine, and world-class jazz come together. With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most respected dining destinations.
This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to oversee a high-performing scratch kitchen while preserving the standards that have made Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe an institution.
What You'll Do
  • Lead all culinary and back-of-house operations
  • Recruit, train, coach, and develop a talented kitchen team
  • Create seasonal menus, features, and chef-driven specials
  • Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
  • Partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization
  • Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance

Qualifications
  • 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef
  • Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private clubs
  • Strong scratch kitchen background
  • Expertise in menu development, food cost control, labor management, inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and P&L management
  • Proven leader with a passion for mentoring teams and creating exceptional guest experiences
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and health department compliance

Why Join Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe?
  • Lead the kitchen at one of Metro Detroit's premier dining and jazz destinations
  • Work alongside an experienced hospitality leadership team
  • Showcase your creativity in a chef-driven, scratch kitchen
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • Paid holidays, 15 days PTO, and paid restaurant shutdowns in July and January

About Harper Associates
For over 60 years, Harper Associates has specialized in recruiting executive hospitality professionals for many of Michigan's leading restaurants, hotels, clubs, and hospitality organizations.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply or contact kevin@harperjobs.com for a confidential conversation.
Kevin Swanquist
Executive Recruiter
Harper Associates
kevin@harperjobs.com
www.harperjobs.com
248-737-0222