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Prison Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Cook

West Boylston, MA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Kitchen setting in prison environment V. SUPERVISION RECEIVED : Works under the general supervision of the Senior Cook and Executive Chef VI. SUPERVISION EXERCISED : None.

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Casa Grande, AZ · On-site

$49K/yr

Arizona State Prison Complex - Eyman Arizona Correctional Industries (ACI) 4374 East Butte Avenue ... The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking a master chef or ...

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Prison Chef information

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$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do prison chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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.

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 job categories do people searching Prison Chef jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Prison Chef jobs are:

Prison Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Dishwasher (DISHW-04) 8am-5pm, Thurs - Mon

New Freedom OPS LLC

Phoenix, AZ

$2.0K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Join New Freedom – Where Second Chances Become Bright Futures

_______________________________________________

About Us

At New Freedom, we don’t just believe in second chances—we help people thrive because of them. We are a dynamic, compassionate, and peer-driven community dedicated to empowering justice-involved and formerly incarcerated individuals to successfully rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

Our approach blends empathy with action—offering tools, mentorship, and unwavering support that transforms lives, families, and communities. When you join New Freedom, you join a movement that creates personal, societal, and economic change every single day.

If you’re driven by purpose, passionate about people, and ready to make a lasting impact, this is where you belong.

_______________________________________________

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We take care of the people who take care of others. At New Freedom, you’ll enjoy:

  • Competitive pay – because your impact matters
  • Enhanced health insurance- wellness shouldn’t be a burden
    • $0 Medical Plan available, and other majority paid by company options
    • $0 primary care co-pay
    • $2,000 - $10,000 FREE Health Reimbursement Account (Plan Type Varies)
  • Flexible Spending Account- medical and dependent care options
  • Low-cost dental, vision, & supplemental coverage- to further support your health
  • Company-paid life insurance & short-term disability – for unexpected needs
  • Employee Assistance Program – confidential support for life’s challenges
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance – medical assistance for your furry family
  • 401(k) with company match – invest in your future while you invest in others
  • Generous paid time off – including sick days, holidays, vacations, and more
  • Free meals, snacks, drinks, & gym access – fuel your body and mind
  • Free onsite training & certifications – CPR, Safety Care, Peer Support, and more

_______________________________________________

About the Position

Under the supervision of the Executive Sous Chef, the Dishwasher is responsible for maintaining a clean kitchen, properly wash and sort soiled dishes, and keeps dish area free of clutter and organized. This position is expected to follow proper health codes to ensure sanitation processes are being met.

Your Impact Will Include:

  • Wash, sanitize, and properly store all dishes, glassware, cookware, and utensils.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and clutter-free dish area and kitchen.
  • Keep floors clean and dry throughout the shift to ensure safety.
  • Follow all County, State, and Federal health codes and safety standards.
  • Change dishwater and use cleaning chemicals per New Freedom and Ecolab standards.
  • Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries and organizing dry storage.
  • Manage trash removal and cleaning duties throughout and at the end of each shift.
  • Work collaboratively and professionally with team members and leadership.
  • Performing additional duties as assigned to support our mission.

_______________________________________________

Where You’ll Work
  • Primarily on site at our facility
  • Requires frequent use of hands for typing, handling equipment, and reaching
  • Requires the ability to lift, carry, or move objects up to 30 pounds
  • Some days will require long periods of sitting, standing, or walking

_______________________________________________

Equal Opportunity Statement

New Freedom Ops LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, a drug-free workplace, and compliant with Veteran and ADA regulations.

_______________________________________________

"Every day, someone walks out of a prison gate with nothing but a bag of belongings and a hope for a better future. At New Freedom, we meet them at that moment—with open arms, real opportunities, and the belief that their past does not define their potential."