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Prison Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CHEF II

Berlin, NH · On-site

$17.81 - $23.39/hr

... CHEF II Position# 41475 $17.81/hour - $23.39/hour This position receives Hazardous Duty Pay, which ... State Prison, for distribution to patients and inmates and staff meals, working in close and ...

Culinary Arts - Prison Education - Part-Time (Adjunct) Faculty Job Title Culinary Arts - Prison ... chef. Sinclair is currently seeking part-time (adjunct) faculty to teach Culinary Arts courses.

Tucson, Arizona Tucson is a place where talented artists, chefs, and craftspeople have taken ... About the Facility - FCC Tucson Prison The Federal Correctional Institution may need services in ...

Clinical Psychologist

Corcoran, CA

$141K - $194K/yr

... chefs in their kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Corcoran has a spot reserved just for you ... About the Facility - California State Prison-Corcoran CSP-Corcoran is a complex, multi-mission ...

Clinical Psychologist

Corcoran, CA · On-site

$141K - $194K/yr

... chefs in their kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Corcoran has a spot reserved just for you ... About the Facility - California State Prison-Corcoran CSP-Corcoran is a complex, multi-mission ...

... chefs in their kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Corcoran has a spot reserved just for you ... About the Facility - California State Prison CSP-Corcoran is a complex, multi-mission institution ...

... chefs in their kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Corcoran has a spot reserved just for you ... About the Facility - California State Prison-Corcoran CSP-Corcoran is a complex, multi-mission ...

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Prison Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do prison chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for prison chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prison chef do?

A Prison Chef is responsible for preparing and overseeing meals for inmates and staff within a correctional facility. Their duties include planning menus that meet nutritional guidelines, managing kitchen staff (often including inmates), ensuring food safety standards are met, and maintaining inventory of kitchen supplies. They play an important role in the daily operations of the prison by ensuring meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Additionally, Prison Chefs may help teach inmates valuable culinary skills that can be used after release.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a prison chef?

To thrive as a Prison Chef, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a food handler’s certification or relevant culinary qualification. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and institutional menu planning tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial for managing diverse teams and maintaining order in a secure environment. These skills ensure safe, nutritious meal preparation under strict regulations, promoting safety and efficiency within the correctional facility.

What are common challenges faced by a prison chef, and how can they be addressed?

Prison Chefs often face challenges such as working with limited budgets, adhering to strict dietary regulations, and managing large-scale food preparation for diverse inmate populations. Additionally, there is a need to maintain high standards of food safety and security within a controlled environment. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong organizational skills, being resourceful with available ingredients, and fostering effective communication with both kitchen staff and correctional officers to ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Prison Chef vs Correctional Cook?

AspectPrison ChefCorrectional Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary trainingFood safety certifications, culinary training
Work EnvironmentPrison kitchens within correctional facilitiesPrison kitchens within correctional facilities
Employer & IndustryCorrectional institutions, government agenciesCorrectional institutions, government agencies
Job DutiesPreparing meals for inmates, managing kitchen staffPreparing meals for inmates, managing kitchen staff

Prison Chef and Correctional Cook roles are similar, both working within correctional facility kitchens and requiring culinary certifications. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Prison Chef' is often used in media and public references, while 'Correctional Cook' is the official job title in many institutions. Both positions focus on preparing nutritious meals for inmates in secure environments.

More about Prison Chef jobs

What cities are hiring for Prison Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Prison Chef job openings:

What states have the most Prison Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Prison Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Prison Chef jobs?

For Prison Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Prison Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

CHEF II

Berlin, NH • On-site

State of New Hampshire
Public Administration • 5 - 10K employees

$17.81 - $23.39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervises and coordinates food preparation and cooking activities to ensure meals meet required standards.

  • Assigns work to kitchen staff and oversees sanitation, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.

  • Ensures food for special diets is prepared and distributed according to specified requirements.


State Of New Hampshire rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Stateof New Hampshire Job Posting
Department of Corrections
Facility of Logistical Services
138 East Milan Rd
Berlin, NH 03570
CHEF II
Position# 41475
$17.81/hour - $23.39/hour
This position receives Hazardous Duty Pay, which is paid biweekly at $60 (not included in salary above).
Schedule:
3:30 - 1:30 PM with Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays off.
*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Corrections, Faciality Logistical Services has a full-time vacancy for Chef II.
Summary:
To supervise and organize work activities related to preparing and cooking food at the NH State Prison, for distribution to patients and inmates and staff meals, working in close and immediate contact with prisoners on a daily basis while maintaining security.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
Other information:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Equivalent combination of 2 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in culinary arts, large-quantity cookery, food services, or a related field.
License/Certification: None
Other Requirements: Must pass security and background screenings required for correctional environments
Trainee Option: Candidates with an equivalent combination of 1+ years of relevant education and experience after completion of high school may be considered and hired in 'trainee status' for this position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: None
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of the Corrections Academy within 12 months of hire and continuing certification as correctional line personnel as established by the certifying authority
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: ☐ Yes ☒ No
Criteria: None
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: ☐ Yes ☒ No
Criteria: None
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position
Responsibilities:
DETAILED TASKS (STANDARD): None
DETAILED TASKS (AGENCY/POSITION-SPECIFIC):
Supervises and coordinates other personnel in preparing and cooking food to serve to appropriate people. All meals must meet RDS Standards, ACA Standards and Special Diet requirements.
Assigns work to cooks and other kitchen help, to facilitate a clean, smooth running food service operation.
Organizes and substantiates good cleaning practices, maintains sanitary conditions, and upkeeps equipment and work areas to meet ACA Standards and State of New Hampshire Health Department Codes.
Receives and checks foods and supplies for quality and quantity, to be received into the kitchen stock room for meal preparation and inventory procedures.
Supervises and coordinates preparation of food for special diets for distribution to various units, inmates and patients.
Exercises direct supervision in training kitchen personnel in food prep, personal hygiene, and other sanitary practices to meet ACA Standards and the New Hampshire Health Department Specs.
Documents and maintains food and supply inventories in storage areas for the purpose of food costs, proper distribution and monthly inventory.
For further information please contact DOC-Recruitment at DOC-RECRUITMENT@DOC.NH.GOV or at 603-271-5653.
*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:
The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.
See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Other Benefits:
*Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
* Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
*State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
*Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
*$50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
*Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:
https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx
EOE
TDD Access: Relay NH1-800-735-2964

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