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Master Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook III

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Ability to work on at least three concept stations. Assist chef/manager in placing orders with ... Familiarize themselves with catering menus and master recipe indexes. * Communicate to supervisor ...

... experience. - Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems ... Ansible, Puppet, Chef, SaltStack, or Packer. - Deep understanding of Cyber Security control ...

Sr. Signal Integrity Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$164K/yr

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or a related field. * 8+ years of experience in ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

Sr. Product Design Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related field ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

Line Cook

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$22/hr

ALWAYS A JOURNEYMAN, NEVER A MASTER * 'Good enough' isn't in our vocabulary. * We are committed to ... Notify Shift Leader or Executive Chef in advance of expected shortages and when supplies are low ...

Dishwasher

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

ALWAYS A JOURNEYMAN, NEVER A MASTER * 'Good enough' isn't in our vocabulary. * We are committed to ... Annual Employee Holiday Party PRINCIPAL DUTIES: * Assist cooks and the Executive Chef in the ...

Tactical Line Cook

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

This role will meet weekly with the Executive Chef to discuss tactics, strategy, and events and, as ... ALWAYS A JOURNEYMAN, NEVER A MASTER * 'Good enough' isn't in our vocabulary. * We are committed to ...

Broiler

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Your mission is to master the broiler station, maintain accuracy, consistency, and quality, and ... Execute tasks assigned by Chefs and Kitchen Leadership with professionalism and enthusiasm What We ...

Become a master at creating signature salads, grain-bowls, and smoothies while maintaining C&G ... chef-crafted & scratch-made menu, but also through our high standard of service, our belief in ...

SDET Java Developer With Unit Testing

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

... Jenkins, Chef, Sonar, PowerMock. • GoLang, Docker, Kubernetes experience is good to have. • ... Qualifications Certifications if any A Bachelor's or Master's degree with 5 -7 years of experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Master Chef information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.4K

$65.9K

$97.9K

How much do master chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for master chef in Chicago, IL is $65,923.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $77,300.00 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.
Infographic showing various Master Chef job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,923 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Our Promise

Balance - Quest fosters a fun, supportive environment that puts people first and strives for both culinary excellence and enduring relationships. Our flexible work opportunities encourage a healthy life balance for all of our valued team members.

Meaning - Quest believes that every aspect of what we do has significance, and therefore, our food is fresh and made from scratch, using high quality and responsibly sourced ingredients. We nourish our communities with wholesome meals and through our genuine and personal connections.

Recognition - Quest provides competitive compensation and benefits, and celebrates the fulfillment of our collective values at all levels of the organization. We support professional growth through training, development and access to highly visible leadership.

Position Summary

Prepares and presents menu items during service of the cafeteria to Quest standards. Follows preparation list for items needed for execution of menus and assist in the day to day operations of the kitchen. Duties may include bulk preparation, catering prep, product receiving and cleaning. Assists customers and maintains line in a consistent and professional manner. Cook III will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production recipes. Expected to serve hot food and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Ability to work on at least three concept stations. Assist chef/manager in placing orders with various vendors; creating cleaning and production checklists; creating new menu items and writing recipes to be approved by the chef. Assist in training Cook I and II.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Cascades the vision of Quest Food Management Services ensuring the Quest vision, values and founding principles are effectively communicated, understood and practiced.
  • Demonstrates commitment to Quest vision, values and missions through actions on a daily basis.
  • Prepare food as assigned and per directions, production sheets, standardized recipes, and time schedule.
  • Assist in creating daily production sheets.
  • Accurately assemble and present all menu items.
  • Follow Quest, local, State and Federal guidelines for the proper handling of food products.
  • Assist in the overall sanitation of the line and product kitchen. Work with other members of the kitchen as a team.
  • Maintain open and effective communication with others.
  • Prepare all items to standardized recipes according to each specific event’s needs as outlined on the menu.
  • Properly expand and/or divide recipes as needed to achieve proper yields.
  • Familiarize themselves with catering menus and master recipe indexes.
  • Communicate to supervisor product shortages, ordering needs and maintenance issues to maintain the level of day to day business.
  • Assist in the overall sanitation of the production kitchen and production facility.
  • Ability to work at special events when required.
  • Implement special recipes and menu ideas handed down by the Chef/Manager.
  • Perform daily and weekly cleaning schedule.
  • Ensure that all food production, storage, and service areas are maintained in accordance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
  • Assist with ordering all food and other supplies, monthly inventory, and maintaining par levels.
  • Responsible for sanitation in the kitchen, including checking to see that all equipment is working properly.
  • Complete all prep for the next day’s production per production sheets and recipes as assigned and as needed.
  • Assist in recipe training of Cook I and Cook II personnel.
  • Transport food and all other supplies to and from the kitchen in a sanitary manner.
  • Take temperatures and record them for all food.
  • Serve food on the hot line and prepare side orders ensuring excellent presentation and garnishing all plates.
  • Demonstrate ability to work on at least three concept stations and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen.
  • Follow HACCP guidelines to ensure safe food practices.
  • Responsible for receiving and putting away all kitchen deliveries.
  • Follow all Quest policies and food safety guidelines.
  • Report to scheduled shift on time and in complete uniform as outlined in the Quest team member handbook.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements/Specifications

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required:

  • Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience as Cook II or Kitchen Supervisor
  • Responsible for meeting and maintaining state and local certification requirements (certified as a Food Handler)
  • Ability to perform simple arithmetic as well as to understand measurements and conversions
  • Ability to follow recipes
  • Responsible for meeting and maintaining state and local certification requirements (Food Handler certification)

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