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Private Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Henderson, TN · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Freed-Hardeman University is a private university associated with the Churches of Christ and located in Henderson, Tennessee, United States. We are seeking a talented Executive Chef to lead our ...

WindRiver Properties, LLC

Pastry Chef

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

At the heart of our community is WindRiver Club, a private members-only club soon to feature ... The Pastry Chef owns the pastry, dessert, and scratch bread programs for the Clubhouse Village fine ...

8th & Demonbreun

Banquets- Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

Oversee private dining menu production and execution for events * Coordinate service with ... Support Banquet Chef in all related duties * Support, lead and motivate all banquet kitchen staff

Fairlane Hotel

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF Fairlane Hotel | Nashville, TN Full-Time | Salaried | On-Property ABOUT FAIRLANE ... Up on the roof, Ellington's handles private events, seasonal pop-ups, and 7 Paintings, an immersive ...

Tennessee Grasslands LLC

Pastry Chef

Gallatin, TN · On-site

Pastry Chef - Grasslands Club Grasslands Club is a premier private club community dedicated to providing our members and their families with an unmatched standard of hospitality, recreation, and ...

Southern Land Company

Executive Sous Chef

Franklin, TN · On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

Position Summary Westhaven Golf Club, an award-winning, private golf club in Franklin, TN. is searching for a hands-on Executive Sous Chef to lead and continue to grow its active culinary program.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by ... private label wine, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to Serve, enrich and ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by ... private label wine, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to Serve, enrich and ...

Discovery Land Company

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the Executive Chef to train and develop the culinary staff ... Prior culinary leadership experience in a at high end restaurant, resort, or private club preferred.

Discovery Land Company

Chef de Partie

Nashville, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

The Chef de Partie will play a vital, supporting role on the culinary team by assisting with food ... Minimum 1 year line/prep cook experience in fine dining restaurant/luxury resort/private club.

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All JobsPrivate Chef JobsPrivate Chef Jobs in Tennessee

Private Chef information

See Tennessee salary details

$27.7K

$82K

$142.5K

How much do private chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for private chef in Tennessee is $82,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a private chef?

Private chefs are culinary professionals who are hired to prepare meals exclusively for individuals, families, or organizations, typically in private residences. Unlike restaurant chefs, private chefs often design customized menus to suit their clients’ dietary preferences and needs, and may also handle grocery shopping, meal planning, and kitchen management. Their services can be full-time, part-time, or for special occasions and events, providing a personalized dining experience. Private chefs often bring restaurant-quality cuisine into the home and sometimes travel with their clients or work at multiple locations.

What does a private chef do?

A private chef prepares meals for clients, usually in the client’s home kitchen. In addition to meal prep, a private chef cooks food and may plate the food as well. A private chef typically only works for one client, while a personal chef may take on many clients, according to the American Personal and Private Chef Association (APPCA). The type of food that a private chef cooks depends on the dietary needs and preferences of the client.

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

To thrive as a Private Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning experience, and often formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and dietary management systems is essential. Exceptional organization, discretion, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for catering to clients' personalized preferences and schedules. These abilities ensure high-quality, customized dining experiences and build long-term client trust.

What are some common challenges private chefs face when working in clients' homes?

Private Chefs often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar kitchens, managing limited or specialized equipment, and meeting unique dietary preferences or restrictions of clients. Flexibility is essential, as schedules and menus may change on short notice, and privacy concerns require discretion and professionalism. Building strong client relationships while maintaining high culinary standards is key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Private Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectPrivate ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications often preferredSimilar credentials, often with culinary training
Work EnvironmentPrivate households, estates, yachtsMultiple clients, private homes, events
Employer & IndustryHigh-net-worth individuals, familiesIndividuals, families, small groups
Common Search IntentExclusive, personalized meal serviceCustomized meal planning for clients

Both Private Chefs and Personal Chefs prepare customized meals for clients, often in private settings. The main difference lies in their work environment and scope: Private Chefs typically work exclusively for one client or family, often in their private residence or yacht, providing a highly personalized service. Personal Chefs may serve multiple clients, preparing meals in their homes or delivering prepared meals. While credentials are similar, Private Chefs usually work in more exclusive, high-end environments.

How much can you get paid for being a private chef?

Private chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the clients' needs. High-end private chefs working for wealthy clients or in luxury settings can earn significantly more, often supplemented with tips and benefits. Compensation may also include per-event fees or hourly rates for specific services.

How much do private chefs get paid?

Private chefs typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and the complexity of the cuisine. Many private chefs also receive additional compensation such as tips, housing, or benefits, especially when working for high-net-worth clients or in luxury settings.

What is the demand for private chefs?

The demand for private chefs is growing, especially among high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and affluent families seeking personalized dining experiences. Private chefs often find opportunities in luxury residences, yachts, and private events, with success influenced by culinary skills, discretion, and flexibility in scheduling.
More about Private Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Private Chef jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Private Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Private Chef jobs in Tennessee?

For Private Chef jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Private Chef jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Private Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Private Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Private Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Private Chef jobs in TN?

For Private Chef jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Private Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Private Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,036 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Full-time Personal Chef - Nashville, TN

Tiny Spoon Chef

Nashville, TN • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Are you a culinary professional looking for more work-life balance and career growth than a typical sous chef or line cook position can offer? This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and weekends FREE.
In this role, you'll work as a personal chef for 8-9 clients per week-handling weekly grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, and kitchen clean-up. You'll have the chance to showcase your creativity in a variety of cuisines while building relationships with clients who appreciate your culinary expertise.
Beyond weekly meal prep, our chefs also:
  1. Host intimate private dining events and dinner parties
  2. Teach cooking classes as a culinary instructor
  3. Lead corporate team-building cooking workshops
  4. Support special projects such as menu design and event catering

What Makes This Role Different from Restaurant Kitchen Jobs?
Unlike traditional restaurant sous chef or line cook jobs, this position offers:
  1. Consistent, predictable Monday-Friday hours (no REGULAR late nights or weekends)
  2. Direct client interaction and creative menu freedom
  3. Opportunities to grow beyond the kitchen into events, education, and leadership

Why Work With Us?
We invest in our chefs through hands-on training, mentorship, and career development programs. If you're someone who enjoys taking initiative, building relationships, and driving growth, this role offers virtually unlimited potential.
At our company, we reward hard work, creativity, and dedication. You'll be more than just a line cook or sous chef-you'll have the opportunity to grow into a private chef, event chef, or culinary leader.
Pay: $25 - 30 per hour
Benefits:
  • Retirement Plan, 401k and 401k Matching
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (After 90 days of employment)
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care Account (DCA)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Profit Sharing

At our company, we value and recognize exceptional performance and dedication. As a testament to our commitment to employee growth and satisfaction, we offer a clear pathway to financial advancement. As a candidate, you can expect the opportunity for a well-deserved raise at the 1 year mark, contingent upon favorable performance evaluations. We believe in rewarding hard work, innovation, and exceeding expectations.
Qualified applicants should have a minimum of two to four years of line experience, a sense of urgency, people skills, attention to detail, ServSafe Manager certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle.
Previous experience/familiarity with computer/email/Google Workspaces/social media is preferred. All applicants offered a position will be subject to a background check.
Please note that we use E-Verify to electronically confirm Form I-9 information to verify employee's identity and employment eligibility.
Travel may be required during training. (TSC compensates for travel.)
A cover letter is highly encouraged.
Interview Process
15-min fit call - Video interview - Bench Test, cook a meal (Reimbursement) - Full Day Stage (Paid)
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Paid training

Schedule:
  • 8-hour shift
  • 10-hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Requirements
  • Culinary Experience: 1 year (Required)
  • Cooking: 2-4 years (Required)

Salary Description
$25 - 30 per hour

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