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Live In Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

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

Executive Sous Chef

Norfolk, VA

$62K - $80K/yr

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

Sous Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Enjoy most nights and weekends off while growing your career and income in an engaging and ... Kitchen Skills: Knife skills, cutting techniques, recipe preparation, live-action cooking

Sous Chef

Richmond, VA

$49K - $66K/yr

Enjoy most nights and weekends off while growing your career and income in an engaging and ... Kitchen Skills: Knife skills, cutting techniques, recipe preparation, live-action cooking

Sodexo Live! Airline Lounges is seeking a Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for the Lufthansa Airlines Lounge at Dulles Int'l Airport in Dulles, VA. This hands-on leadership role is ...

SOUS CHEF

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$22/hr

The Eurest Promise, "connect with people, inspire through food, create solutions, and live our ... Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and ...

Executive CHef

Richmond, VA

$70K - $97K/yr

Enjoy most nights and weekends off while growing your career and income in an engaging and ... Kitchen Skills: Knife skills, cutting techniques, recipe preparation, live-action cooking

Executive CHef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Enjoy most nights and weekends off while growing your career and income in an engaging and ... Kitchen Skills: Knife skills, cutting techniques, recipe preparation, live-action cooking

This is a hands-on Chef role requiring previous experience managing upscale food production. High ... You'll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting ...

The Eurest Promise, "connect with people, inspire through food, create solutions, and live our ... Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and ...

The Eurest Promise, "connect with people, inspire through food, create solutions, and live our ... Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and ...

The Eurest Promise, "connect with people, inspire through food, create solutions, and live our ... Stores food in designated areas following all corporate, state and federal food safety and ...

Showing results 21-40

Live In Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do live in chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in chef in Virginia is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.72 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 is a live in chef?

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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Live In Chef jobs in Virginia?

For Live In Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Live In Chef jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Live In Chef jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Live In Chef jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Live In Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Live In Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,786 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Executive Sous Chef

American Cruise Lines

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Executive Sous Chef
American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our modern riverboats and iconic paddlewheelers carry no more than 200 guests, providing a uniquely intimate small-ship experience along America's rivers. With newly constructed vessels continually joining our expanding fleet, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to exceptional culinary experiences nationwide.
Exceptional cuisine is prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Working in the kitchen, you will be an integral part of the culinary team. Your goal will be to utilize the ingredients provided to create a unique array of dishes that are full of delicious flavor. Our Executive Sous Chefs are involved with all aspects of food production including breakfast, lunch, and dinner for our guests, and are responsible for the quality of food served to the crew. A well-fed crew is a happy crew, and your primary responsibility is to ensure they stay this way through the care put into the meals you serve them.
Frequently without the option to dine ashore, it is crucial that all crew food allergies and dietary restrictions are accommodated for, always. Meals must be well-balanced, healthy, nutritious, delicious, and have varied options to choose from to suit multiple different appetites. You will work closely with other members of the culinary team every day to ensure that the kitchen operations run smoothly and that all service provided to our guests and crew is flawless.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients.
  • Produce a daily variety of healthy, delicious, and nutritious buffet-style crew meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, maintaining high crew satisfaction.
  • Regularly check-in with the ship's crew regarding the overall satisfaction of the meals provided.
  • Organize the work in the kitchen so that kitchen processes run efficiently.
  • Produce high quality guest dishes that follow the established menu choices.
  • Adhere to all guest and crew dietary requests and restrictions.
  • Maintain order and discipline in the kitchen during work hours.
  • Make sure that the hygiene and food safety standards are placed as a top priority throughout all stages of food preparation.
  • Ensure that all meals are prepared as quickly and deliciously as possible.
  • Enforce food and safety standards.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of culinary experience in full-service resort, hotel, or cruise ship.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Familiar with food safety standards.
  • Must be able to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Must possess problem solving skills, self-motivation, and organization.
  • Must be able to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • An effective leader who can effectively control his/her time management.
  • Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
  • US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test.
  • Training and Teaching experience.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 to 8 weeks onboard followed by 1 to 2 weeks off.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • Ability to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.