$75K - $100K/yr
... and are always open to fresh ideas to satisfy ever evolving market demands. Known for our ... Minimum 7 years experience with at least half of that as sous chef / chef
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$75K - $100K/yr
... and are always open to fresh ideas to satisfy ever evolving market demands. Known for our ... Minimum 7 years experience with at least half of that as sous chef / chef
Executive Chef
$90K - $110K/yr
Executive Chef - Salary $90,000 to $110,000 New Restaurant Opening | Atlanta GA We're opening an exciting new polished casual dining restaurant in Atlanta GA, and we're searching for a talented ...
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Executive Chef
$90K - $110K/yr
Executive Chef - Salary $90,000 to $110,000 New Restaurant Opening | Atlanta GA We're opening an exciting new polished casual dining restaurant in Atlanta GA, and we're searching for a talented ...
Chef
New Bedford, MA · On-site
$80K - $110K/yr
Chef Location: Candela Cucina, South Coast, MA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced ... Open Availability Company Overview: Candela Cucina is the newest hotspot on the South Coast ...
Chef
New Bedford, MA · On-site
$80K - $110K/yr
Chef Location: Candela Cucina, South Coast, MA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced ... Open Availability Company Overview: Candela Cucina is the newest hotspot on the South Coast ...
Executive Chef - New Restaurant Opening | Fishers, IN
Fishers, IN · On-site
$64K - $88K/yr
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for an exciting new restaurant opening in Fishers, Indiana. This is a rare opportunity to help create ...
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Executive Chef - New Restaurant Opening | Fishers, IN
Fishers, IN · On-site
$64K - $88K/yr
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for an exciting new restaurant opening in Fishers, Indiana. This is a rare opportunity to help create ...
Sous Chef, Boston
$54K - $73K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...
Sous Chef, Boston
$54K - $73K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...
Sous Chef | New Steakhouse Opening | Salary to $60k *
Omaha, NE · On-site
$55K - $65K/yr
... openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! · Holiday closures-- closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day; early closures on Christmas Eve! Apply Now - Sous Chef located in Omaha ...
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Sous Chef | New Steakhouse Opening | Salary to $60k *
Omaha, NE · On-site
$55K - $65K/yr
... openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! · Holiday closures-- closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day; early closures on Christmas Eve! Apply Now - Sous Chef located in Omaha ...
Chef
New Bedford, MA · On-site
$80K - $110K/yr
Chef Location: Candela Cucina, South Coast, MA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced ... Open Availability ABOUT THE COMPANY Company Overview: Candela Cucina is the newest hotspot on the ...
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Chef
New Bedford, MA · On-site
$80K - $110K/yr
Chef Location: Candela Cucina, South Coast, MA Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced ... Open Availability ABOUT THE COMPANY Company Overview: Candela Cucina is the newest hotspot on the ...
Sous Chef, Boston
Boston, MA · On-site
$54K - $73K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...
Quick apply
Sous Chef, Boston
Boston, MA · On-site
$54K - $73K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...
Sous Chef, Boston
Boston, MA · On-site
$54K - $73K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...
Sous Chef, Boston
Boston, MA · On-site
$54K - $73K/yr
As a Sous Chef, you will support our Restaurant Leaders to drive culinary and hospitality ... Successfully open and close the restaurant using the checklists and thorough communication with the ...
Sous Chef
Chicago, IL · On-site
$60K - $65K/yr
K.Y.) second concept in the South Loop and one of Chicago's most anticipated restaurant openings of 2021, is looking for a Sous Chef to join its team! The 120-seater is at 2201 S. Michigan Avenue ...
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Sous Chef
Chicago, IL · On-site
$60K - $65K/yr
K.Y.) second concept in the South Loop and one of Chicago's most anticipated restaurant openings of 2021, is looking for a Sous Chef to join its team! The 120-seater is at 2201 S. Michigan Avenue ...
Sushi Chef
New York, NY · On-site
$11.35/hr
The menu centers on open-faced temaki, Japanese snacks, sake, shochu-based drinks, mocktails, tea ... Sushi Chef shifts have a minimum floor of $150 per shift for four weeks after opening. Schedule ...
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Sushi Chef
New York, NY · On-site
$11.35/hr
The menu centers on open-faced temaki, Japanese snacks, sake, shochu-based drinks, mocktails, tea ... Sushi Chef shifts have a minimum floor of $150 per shift for four weeks after opening. Schedule ...
Sous Chef
Orlando, FL · On-site
$46K - $63K/yr
Key responsibilities Pre-opening & training * Assist the Executive Chef with pre-opening tasks including recipe testing, prep guides, station charts, and opening pars. * Help recruit, train, and ...
Sous Chef
Orlando, FL · On-site
$46K - $63K/yr
Key responsibilities Pre-opening & training * Assist the Executive Chef with pre-opening tasks including recipe testing, prep guides, station charts, and opening pars. * Help recruit, train, and ...
Sous Chef
Orlando, FL · On-site
$46K - $63K/yr
Key responsibilities Pre-opening & training * Assist the Executive Chef with pre-opening tasks including recipe testing, prep guides, station charts, and opening pars. * Help recruit, train, and ...
Sous Chef
Orlando, FL · On-site
$46K - $63K/yr
Key responsibilities Pre-opening & training * Assist the Executive Chef with pre-opening tasks including recipe testing, prep guides, station charts, and opening pars. * Help recruit, train, and ...
Sous Chef
$60K - $65K/yr
Sous Chef - Buford, GA A highly anticipated new restaurant is coming to Buford, and we're looking for a talented Sous Chef to help lead the opening team. This is an incredible opportunity to build ...
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Sous Chef
$60K - $65K/yr
Sous Chef - Buford, GA A highly anticipated new restaurant is coming to Buford, and we're looking for a talented Sous Chef to help lead the opening team. This is an incredible opportunity to build ...
Sous Chef
Buford, GA · On-site
$60K - $65K/yr
Sous Chef - Buford, GA A highly anticipated new restaurant is coming to Buford, and we're looking for a talented Sous Chef to help lead the opening team. This is an incredible opportunity to build ...
Quick apply
Sous Chef
Buford, GA · On-site
$60K - $65K/yr
Sous Chef - Buford, GA A highly anticipated new restaurant is coming to Buford, and we're looking for a talented Sous Chef to help lead the opening team. This is an incredible opportunity to build ...
Sous Chef
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$54K - $74K/yr
Sous Chef Porter House Bar and Grill, opened in 2006, is located on the 4th floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle, at 59th Street. Long established as one of NYC's top steak and seafood destination ...
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Sous Chef
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$54K - $74K/yr
Sous Chef Porter House Bar and Grill, opened in 2006, is located on the 4th floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle, at 59th Street. Long established as one of NYC's top steak and seafood destination ...
As we prepare to open doors, we're searching for an experienced Executive Sous Chef with strong expertise in Mexican cuisine to join our opening leadership team and help define the heart and soul of ...
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As we prepare to open doors, we're searching for an experienced Executive Sous Chef with strong expertise in Mexican cuisine to join our opening leadership team and help define the heart and soul of ...
Private Chef
Kentfield, CA · On-site
$160K/yr
August 2026 (or earlier for the right candidate) Open to local Bay Area candidates! A close-knit, food-loving family in Kentfield, California is seeking an experienced full-time Private Chef to join ...
Private Chef
Kentfield, CA · On-site
$160K/yr
August 2026 (or earlier for the right candidate) Open to local Bay Area candidates! A close-knit, food-loving family in Kentfield, California is seeking an experienced full-time Private Chef to join ...
Opening Chef information
See salary details
$10.10 - $13.24
4% of jobs
$13.24 - $16.39
18% of jobs
$16.78 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.39 - $19.54
23% of jobs
The median wage is $20.82 / hr.
$19.54 - $22.68
12% of jobs
$22.68 - $25.83
11% of jobs
$28.68 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$25.83 - $28.98
8% of jobs
$28.98 - $32.12
7% of jobs
$32.12 - $35.27
5% of jobs
$35.27 - $38.42
4% of jobs
$38.42 - $41.56
5% of jobs
$41.56 - $44.71
2% of jobs
$10
$24
$44
How much do opening chef jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for opening chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Is 35 too late to become a chef?
There is no age limit to becoming a chef, and many successful chefs start their careers later in life. Experience, culinary skills, and dedication are more important than age, and some culinary programs accept mature students seeking to enter the profession.
What are some common challenges faced by Opening Chefs when launching a new restaurant, and how can they be addressed?
Opening Chefs often encounter challenges such as establishing kitchen workflows, training new staff, and ensuring consistency across the menu during a restaurant launch. They must quickly adapt recipes and procedures to real-world kitchen conditions, troubleshoot supply chain issues, and maintain high standards under tight deadlines. Successfully addressing these challenges involves thorough planning, clear communication with both front-of-house and back-of-house teams, and flexibility to adjust processes as needed. Building a strong team culture and conducting regular feedback sessions can also help ensure a smooth opening and ongoing operations.
What does an Opening Chef do?
An Opening Chef is responsible for launching the kitchen operations of a new restaurant or food venue. Their duties include designing the kitchen layout, creating menus, hiring and training kitchen staff, and establishing food safety and quality standards. They oversee the initial setup to ensure smooth service once the restaurant opens, often working closely with management and suppliers. Opening Chefs play a crucial role in setting the culinary tone and operational standards for the business.
How to start as a chef with no experience?
Starting as an opening chef with no experience involves gaining basic culinary skills through entry-level positions, such as dishwasher or prep cook roles, and learning on the job. Volunteering or taking short culinary courses can also help develop foundational knowledge and demonstrate commitment to employers.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opening Chef, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Opening Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, experience in menu development, and a proven track record in kitchen management, often supported by culinary school training or equivalent experience. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Leadership, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating new teams and establishing kitchen workflows. These skills ensure smooth restaurant launches, consistent food quality, and successful team integration during crucial opening phases.
How to start off as a chef?
To start as an opening chef, gain basic culinary skills through formal training or culinary school, and seek entry-level positions such as prep cook or line cook to gain experience in a professional kitchen. Developing knowledge of food safety, knife skills, and kitchen operations is essential, and certifications like ServSafe can enhance your qualifications.
What is the difference between Opening Chef vs Sous Chef?
| Aspect | Opening Chef | Sous Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Culinary degree or equivalent, food safety certifications | Culinary degree or equivalent, food safety certifications |
| Work Environment | Kitchen, restaurant opening or prep phase | Kitchen, active service, supervising staff |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used during restaurant openings or renovations | Commonly found in daily kitchen operations |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding roles during restaurant setup | Clarifying leadership in kitchen staff |
Opening Chefs focus on preparing kitchens for new restaurant openings, overseeing setup, and initial food prep. Sous Chefs manage daily kitchen operations, supervise staff, and assist the Executive Chef. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, Opening Chefs are key during launch phases, whereas Sous Chefs are integral to ongoing kitchen management.
How much does a starting chef get paid?
A starting chef typically earns between $12 and $15 per hour, depending on the location, establishment, and level of experience. Entry-level chefs may also receive benefits such as meal discounts and opportunities for skill development in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
What cities are hiring for Opening Chef jobs? Cities with the most Opening Chef job openings:
$75K - $100K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Retirement
Posted 24 days ago
Job description
Buckalew's / Station 117: established Jersey Shore restaurants seeking an experienced chef; creative, leader, solid management skiils who can run a fast paced energetic kitchen in the summer and enjoy a more mellow pace during the slower seasons.
We offer a classic jersey shore menu highlighting seafood specialties along with classic tavern foods, and are always open to fresh ideas to satisfy ever evolving market demands. Known for our consistency and friendly atmosphere we are looking for a talented, energetic chef to join our leadership team.
- Compensation: $75,000 ot $100,000 plus bonus
- Paid vacation: 2-3 weeks
- Health Benefits
- Hire/build/train/retain staff
- Proven track record of controlling food and labor costs
- Minimum 7 years experience with at least half of that as sous chef / chef