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Professional Chef Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Marriott

Director of Food and Beverage

Covington, KY · On-site

Background as a professional Chef (essential), with a deep understanding of kitchen operations * Strong experience in pre-opening projects is highly valued * Ability to translate culinary creativity ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in ... A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in ... A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in ... A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile ...

The Rackhouse Tavern

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in ... A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile ...

Ditto'sGrill

SOUS CHEF

Louisville, KY

$20 - $25/hr

Sous Chef - at an upscale casual restaurant on Bardstown Road (Louisville, KY) oversees daily ... Hire, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain a professional environment. * Oversee ...

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Sous Chef

Louisville, KY · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef: Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment If you truly want to elevate yourself, we have an ... Professional appearance and demeanor * Excellent written and oral communications skills, computer ...

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef: Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment If you truly want to elevate yourself, we have an ... Professional appearance and demeanor * Excellent written and oral communications skills, computer ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous chef

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Maintain a professional appearance at all times. * Ensure that each guest has a positive and ...

Dry Branch Farm Market

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Danville, KY · On-site

$42K - $48K/yr

Experienced Cook/Sous Chef Sous Chef -- Dry Branch Farm Market Danville, KY | Full-Time | Mon-Fri ... An opportunity to work daytime hours in a professional kitchen Monday through Friday, doing serious ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Maintain a professional appearance at all times. * Ensure that each guest has a positive and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Chef JobsProfessional Chef Jobs in Kentucky

Professional Chef information

See Kentucky salary details

$24.8K

$55.6K

$82.5K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Kentucky is $55,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $65,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional chef?

Professional chefs are trained culinary experts who prepare, cook, and present food in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They are responsible for menu planning, ingredient selection, and ensuring the quality and consistency of dishes. Chefs often manage kitchen staff, maintain food safety standards, and stay updated with culinary trends. Their skills are developed through formal education, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience in the kitchen.

What are some common challenges professional chefs face in a busy kitchen, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Chefs often encounter challenges such as high-pressure environments, time management issues during peak hours, and coordinating with a diverse kitchen staff. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to delegate tasks are crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Additionally, staying adaptable and calm under pressure helps chefs ensure quality and consistency in dishes, even during the busiest service periods.

What is the difference between Professional Chef vs Cook?

AspectProfessional ChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often requiredMinimal formal training, on-the-job learning common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsRestaurants, catering, institutional kitchens
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, creating dishesPreparing ingredients, cooking dishes as instructed
Industry UsageHigh-level culinary roles, often with leadership dutiesEntry-level or supporting roles in food preparation

The main difference between a Professional Chef and a Cook lies in their responsibilities, training, and roles within the culinary industry. Professional Chefs typically have formal training and oversee kitchen operations, while Cooks focus on food preparation and cooking under supervision. Both roles are essential, but the Chef usually holds a higher level of expertise and leadership.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional chef?

To thrive as a Professional Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, formal culinary training or certification, and strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and specialized culinary tools is essential. Creativity, leadership, time management, and effective communication distinguish outstanding chefs in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Professional Chef jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Professional Chef job openings:
Professional Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,581 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Director of Food and Beverage

Marriott

Covington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Marriott International rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,184 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 108 rated hotels

Job description

Additional Information: This hotel is owned and operated by an independent franchisee, Archer Hotel Management Limited. The franchisee is a separate company and a separate employer from Marriott International, Inc.  The franchisee solely controls all aspects of the hotel's employment policies and practices, including hiring, firing, discipline, staffing, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.  If you accept a position at this hotel, you will be employed by a franchisee and not by Marriott International, Inc.

Director of Food & Beverage (Pre-Opening Luxury Hotel | Seville)
 
We are seeking an exceptional Director of Food & Beverage to lead the culinary and service vision of a landmark luxury hotel opening in Seville. This is not a standard operational role-it is a rare opportunity to shape from the ground up the entire F&B ecosystem of a high-end, internationally positioned property.
 
We are looking for a leader who brings a dual perspective: hands-on culinary expertise as a trained Chef, combined with proven experience in senior Food & Beverage leadership within luxury hospitality environments. Someone who understands excellence not only from a strategic and commercial standpoint, but also from the kitchen pass.
 
What We Are Looking For
  • Proven experience as Director of Food & Beverage or senior F&B leadership in luxury hotels
  • Background as a professional Chef (essential), with a deep understanding of kitchen operations
  • Strong experience in pre-opening projects is highly valued
  • Ability to translate culinary creativity into commercially successful concepts
  • Solid financial acumen: budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L ownership
  • A leader who builds teams through trust, standards, and clarity-not hierarchy
  • High sensitivity to guest experience and brand positioning in luxury hospitality
  • Mandatory high level of English and Spanish

This company is an equal opportunity employer.

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