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Master Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

We are seeking a culinary master with a mentoring leadership style. Healthcare Dining in a large multi-outlet setting is strongly desired. Will consider experienced institutional Executive Chefs such ...

New

TZUCO

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

Strong command of Mexican and/or Latin cuisine, or a demonstrated ability to master a chef-driven concept * Experience with composed plates, refined presentation, and menu development in an elevated ...

Vendador

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Founded in 2021 by Chef Francis Pascal, we've rapidly become the gold standard for luxury private ... You'll need to be a culinary master who can create magic anywhere, anytime. Your schedule will ...

Blue Plate Catering

Event Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

As an Event Chef, by preparing and overseeing high-quality dishes for off-premises events. Your ... Master the Menu and Flow: Lead a pre-shift meeting, with the Event Supervisor, to review the menu ...

Blue Plate Catering

Event Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

As an Event Chef, by preparing and overseeing high-quality dishes for off-premises events. Your ... Master the Menu and Flow: Lead a pre-shift meeting, with the Event Supervisor, to review the menu ...

Wooden Paddle

Sous Chef

Lemont, IL

$50K - $60K/yr

Every day, you'll be in the thick of it - teaching your team to master multiple stations ... Our Sous Chef will work 5 days, and typically 45-ish hours per week. WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? Our team ...

Wooden Paddle

Sous Chef

Lemont, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Every day, you'll be in the thick of it - teaching your team to master multiple stations ... Our Sous Chef will work 5 days, and typically 45-ish hours per week. WILL YOU FIT IN HERE? Our team ...

BLUE PLATE CATERING LTD

Event Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

As an Event Chef, by preparing and overseeing high-quality dishes for off-premises events. Your ... Master the Menu and Flow: Lead a pre-shift meeting, with the Event Supervisor, to review the menu ...

Koch Industries

Operational Excellence Manager

Monee, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... master black belts for six sigma. For this role, we anticipate paying $110,000 - $140,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form. At Koch ...

Koch Industries

Business Development Manager

Lisle, IL · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Master's degree * Experience working with Medical CDMO * Experience with product development ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

Koch Industries

Advanced Process Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Master's Degree in Engineering or technical discipline For this role, we anticipate paying $100,000 ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

Koch Industries

Test Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

As part of Koch Industries, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and high technical ... Master's degree in mechanical engineering or related field. * Familiarity with Telcordia and/or IEC ...

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All JobsMaster Chef JobsMaster Chef Jobs in Illinois

Master Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$27.6K

$62K

$92.1K

How much do master chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for master chef in Illinois is $62,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $72,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a master chef?

Master Chefs are highly skilled culinary professionals who have achieved a distinguished level of expertise in the culinary arts. They are often recognized for their exceptional cooking techniques, creativity, and leadership in the kitchen. Master Chefs typically oversee kitchen operations, develop innovative menus, and train junior chefs. Achieving the title of Master Chef often involves years of experience, formal training, and sometimes certification from reputable culinary organizations. They play a key role in maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation in restaurants or hospitality establishments.

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

To thrive as a Master Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, creativity, extensive food knowledge, and often formal culinary training or certification. Mastery of kitchen equipment, food safety protocols, and restaurant management systems is typically expected. Leadership, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for leading kitchen teams and ensuring smooth operations. These competencies are vital for delivering high-quality cuisine, maintaining kitchen efficiency, and ensuring customer satisfaction in a demanding culinary environment.

What are some common challenges master chefs face when managing a kitchen team?

Master Chefs often encounter challenges related to coordinating a diverse kitchen staff, maintaining high standards under pressure, and managing time effectively during busy service periods. Balancing creativity with consistency, training junior team members, and ensuring clear communication among staff are also key aspects of the role. Successful Master Chefs foster a collaborative environment and use their leadership skills to resolve conflicts and keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Master Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectMaster ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or extensive experience, certificationsSimilar culinary training, often with experience in professional kitchens
Work EnvironmentHigh-end restaurants, culinary competitions, culinary schoolsCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels
Role & ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, menu creation, trainingAssists head chef, manages kitchen staff, supervises food prep

The main difference between a Master Chef and a Sous Chef lies in their responsibilities and status. A Master Chef typically holds a higher level of expertise, oversees entire kitchen operations, and may have additional certifications. A Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, supporting the head chef and managing daily kitchen activities. Both roles require strong culinary skills and experience, but the Master Chef is often seen as a culinary authority and leader in the industry.

How do I become a master chef?

To become a master chef, one typically gains extensive culinary experience through formal training at culinary schools or apprenticeships, develops advanced cooking skills, and earns certifications such as the Certified Executive Chef credential. Gaining practical experience in professional kitchens and continuously refining techniques are essential steps toward mastery in the field.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Master Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Master Chef job openings:

Master Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,012 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL • On-site

Metz Culinary Management
Traveler Accommodation • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Metz Culinary Managementexternal

$73K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Metz Culinary Management rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Title: Executive Chef
Location:Norwood Crossing Senior Living, Chicago IL
Salary: 65-85K based on depth of experience
Now seeking a talented and experienced Executive Chef to lead our AMAZING Culinary Team in a busy and multi-outlet setting. We are seeking a culinary master with a mentoring leadership style. Healthcare Dining in a large multi-outlet setting is strongly desired. Will consider experienced institutional Executive Chefs such as University, District Chef, or similar.
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion for Food, Service and AMAZING Presentations.
Our Executive Chef must have a mentoring management style creating a culture of fun, creativity and growth. If you have the CULINARY CHOPS and passion for current, trending and diverse menus, and are ready to hit the ground running in a fast paced, high volume setting, we would like to hear from you! Must have Executive and/or Sous Chef experience in preferably an institution style, multi-outlet setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining setting.
Requirements:
  • 3-5+Plus Years in a Supervisory Experience as Sous Chef or Executive Chef
  • High Volume background
  • Institutional facility or multi-outlet experience preferred
  • Impeccable communication Skills
  • Strong Restaurant Management knowledge
  • Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with STUNNING presentation ideas
  • Strong Catering Experience
  • Culinary Degree strongly preferred

Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.

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