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Personal Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cedarhurst

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$19/hr

That's why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We're committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to ...

Cedarhurst Senior Living

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$19/hr

That's why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We're committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to ...

Cedarhurst of Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL

$19/hr

That's why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We're committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to ...

Superior Star

Back line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Ensure personal appearance meets company standard and displays professionalism at all times. Recognize and adhere to all sanitation, safety, and security policies and procedures to provide a safe ...

Superior Star

Back line Cook

Petersburg, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Ensure personal appearance meets company standard and displays professionalism at all times. Recognize and adhere to all sanitation, safety, and security policies and procedures to provide a safe ...

Superior Star

Back line Cook

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Ensure personal appearance meets company standard and displays professionalism at all times. Recognize and adhere to all sanitation, safety, and security policies and procedures to provide a safe ...

Superior Star

Back line Cook

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Ensure personal appearance meets company standard and displays professionalism at all times. Recognize and adhere to all sanitation, safety, and security policies and procedures to provide a safe ...

Yona Solutions

Cook

Taylorville, IL

$13.25 - $18/hr

Our work environment encourages responsibility for personal growth and promotes pride in each employee. You will play an essential role in providing warm and friendly hospitality to all the residents ...

Yona Solutions

Cook

Virden, IL

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Our work environment encourages responsibility for personal growth and promotes pride in each employee. You will play an essential role in providing warm and friendly hospitality to all the residents ...

Superior Star

Back line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Ensure personal appearance meets company standard and displays professionalism at all times. Recognize and adhere to all sanitation, safety, and security policies and procedures to provide a safe ...

Cooper's Hawk

Line Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Work as one team to time dishes and keep the line flowing Make It Personal: Be genuine, listen well, and tailor the experience. * Take pride in every plate because it reflects your craft * Cook with ...

HyVee

Hy-Chi Cook

Springfield, IL

$16 - $20/hr

Maintains strict adherence to department and company guidelines related to personal hygiene and dress. * Adheres to company policies and individual store guidelines. * Reports to work when scheduled ...

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Hy-Chi Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Maintains strict adherence to department and company guidelines related to personal hygiene and dress. * Adheres to company policies and individual store guidelines. * Reports to work when scheduled ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPersonal Chef JobsPersonal Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL

Personal Chef information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$19.3K

$69.1K

$149.7K

How much do personal chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for personal chef in Springfield, IL is $69,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,600.00 and $89,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do personal chefs make a lot of money?

Personal chefs' earnings vary based on experience, location, and client base, but they typically earn between $40,000 and $100,000 annually. High-end personal chefs working for affluent clients or in major cities can earn more, especially if they offer specialized services or have certifications. Income can also depend on whether they work full-time or part-time and the number of clients they serve.

What Is a Personal Chef?

Personal Chefs plan and prepare meals for their clients. Some cook in their clients' homes or offices, while others work in a professional kitchen or their own kitchen and transport the meals to their clients. In this role, you may work for just one client or have several clients at the same time. Your job duties include discussing meal preferences and dietary restrictions with your client, shopping for ingredients, and preparing the meals. If you cook in your client's home, you are also responsible for cleaning up and putting away kitchen tools. Personal Chefs may cook meals a few times a week or every day, depending on their client's contract expectations.

How much does a personal chef charge per hour?

Personal chefs typically charge between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on factors such as experience, location, menu complexity, and whether they provide grocery shopping and cleanup. Rates may also vary based on the number of clients and the level of customization required.

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

To thrive as a Personal Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and relevant food safety certifications such as ServSafe. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management software, and dietary tracking tools is often required. Strong communication, adaptability, and discretion help build client trust and accommodate diverse preferences. These skills ensure personalized, high-quality service and client satisfaction in a highly customized culinary environment.

What is the difference between Personal Chef vs Private Chef?

AspectPersonal ChefPrivate Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional experience in luxury settings
Work EnvironmentPrepares meals in clients' homes or for eventsWorks exclusively in private households or estates
Employer & IndustryServes individual clients, families, or small groupsEmployed by wealthy individuals or families for ongoing service
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for personal meal services or custom meal prepOften searched for exclusive household or estate dining services

Both Personal Chefs and Private Chefs prepare customized meals for clients, often in private settings. The main difference lies in the scope: Personal Chefs typically serve multiple clients or families, while Private Chefs work exclusively for a single household or estate. Credentials and work environments are similar, but the Private Chef role is more specialized for high-end, long-term household employment.

What are personal chefs?

Personal chefs are culinary professionals who prepare customized meals for individuals or families, often in the clients' homes. They typically plan menus based on dietary preferences, shop for ingredients, cook meals, and sometimes provide meal storage instructions. Personal chefs may offer one-time services for special events or ongoing meal prep. Their services are tailored to meet the unique needs and tastes of each client, often accommodating allergies or specific nutritional requirements.

How to get a job as a personal chef?

To become a personal chef, gain culinary training through a culinary school or relevant experience, develop strong cooking skills, and build a portfolio or references. Networking with clients and agencies, obtaining food safety certifications, and demonstrating professionalism can also help secure personal chef positions.

What are some common challenges Personal Chefs face when managing multiple clients?

Personal Chefs often juggle varying dietary preferences, schedules, and kitchen environments across different clients. One of the main challenges is efficiently planning menus and grocery shopping to accommodate unique tastes, allergies, and nutritional needs. Additionally, adapting quickly to unfamiliar kitchens and maintaining high food quality under time constraints requires strong organizational skills. Building clear communication with clients helps set expectations and ensures satisfaction.

How much money do personal chefs make?

Personal chefs typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and client base. Many work on a freelance basis, charging hourly rates that can range from $25 to $100 or more, and may also receive tips or retainers for ongoing services.
More about Personal Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Personal Chef jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Personal Chef jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Personal Chef jobs in Springfield, IL? For Personal Chef jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Personal Chef jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Personal Chef jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Personal Chef jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Personal Chef job openings:
Personal Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Personal Chef job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,054 per year, or $33.2 per hour.
Cook (Full-Time) - Springfield, IL

Cook (Full-Time) - Springfield, IL

Gateway Foundation

Springfield, IL • On-site

$15 - $18.23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Who is Gateway Foundation?
Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.
Why join us?
Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.
Location: Springfield Residential - 2200 Lake Victoria Dr, Springfield, IL 62703
  • Residential Center - Adult Male and Female population

Cooks are responsible for:
  • Preparing, seasoning, and cooking food for clients in accordance with established recipes and menus
  • Completing advance preparation steps, using kitchen utensils and equipment, and inspecting and testing food
  • Ensuring proper storage of goods, supplies, and leftovers
  • Cleaning and organizing work and serving areas and maintaining kitchen equipment
  • Assisting in menu planning and training of clients assigned to kitchen duty
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:
  • Current state of Illinois, Department of Public Health, Food Protection Manager Certification required
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 6 months training in cooking techniques and procedures required
  • Minimum 1 year related work experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds regularly and up to 60 pounds frequently.
  • Ability to stand stationary up to two hours at a time regularly, and up to four hours frequently.
  • Ability to walk or move about for more than six hours at a time.
  • Ability to stoop and bend, ability to reach and grab with arms and hands, and manual dexterity to manipulate kitchen implements and utensils.
  • Normal or corrected vision necessary to read recipes and instructions, and measure or portion food items. Color vision and sense of smell necessary to inspect food items for spoilage.

Compensation (based on experience and credentials):
  • Range begins at $15.00 - $18.23 per hour
  • Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:
Health and Wellness:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:
  • 18 paid time off days per year - accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

Personal Development:
  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU's and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

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