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Professional Chef Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

SOUS CHEF

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$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 ...

$65 - $90/hr

Sous Chef are responsible for assisting with the overall success of the food program and ove ... and professional programs, as appropriate Preferred Qualifications: Culinary degree preferred ...

New

$60 - $75/hr

This is to be handled in The Sterling Touch ยฎ professional, friendly, courteous, helpful and ... The Sous Chef position is under the general guidance of the Executive Chef in accordance with ...

New

$70 - $75/hr

... and professional staff to run an efficient, serviceโ€‘oriented kitchen and banquet operation as ... Undertake responsibility for kitchen in absence of Executive Chef * Perform other duties as ...

New

$52 - $68/hr

Ongoing professional development opportunities * Company-paid life insurance * Company-paid Employee Assistance Program Role Overview The Sous Chef plays a key leadership role in the kitchen ...

New

Sous Chef

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

Provide coaching and corrective feedback in a professional manner to team members to maintain standards and address performance issues. * Assist Chef de Cuisine with scheduling, inventory management ...

Sous Chef

Lexington, KY

$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 ...

Sous Chef

Louisville, KY

$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 ...

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Professional chef or commercial cooking experience is required. * Previous Research & Development experience within the foodservice, food manufacturing, or commercial kitchen equipment industry is ...

Foodservice R&D Specialist

Louisville, KY ยท On-site

$85 - $130/hr

Professional chef or commercial cooking experience is required. * Previous Research & Development experience within the foodservice, food manufacturing, or commercial kitchen equipment industry is ...

Sous chef

Lexington, KY ยท 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 ...

$110 - $120/hr

Ensure compliance with health department regulations and uphold a professional, positive, growth-focused team culture.**What We're Looking For*** Five or more years of experience in an Executive Chef ...

New

$110 - $130/hr

As Executive Chef, you will help shape the culinary identity of Everline Resort & Spa while ... Recruit, train, schedule, and retain talented culinary professionals. * Oversee multiple culinary ...

New

$110 - $130/hr

As Executive Chef, you will help shape the culinary identity of Everline Resort & Spa while ... Recruit, train, schedule, and retain talented culinary professionals. * Oversee multiple culinary ...

New

$60 - $90/hr

Banquet Chef should serve as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behavior. Manage food and ... Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional ...

New

$65 - $90/hr

Position Summary The Sous Chef assists the Executive Chef in overseeing all culinary operations ... Promote teamwork and maintain a respectful, professional workplace culture. * Ensure communication ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Chef information

See Kentucky salary details

$24.8K

$55.6K

$82.5K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,581 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

SOUS CHEF

Ditto'sGrill

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Sous Chef - at an upscale casual restaurant on Bardstown Road (Louisville, KY) oversees daily kitchen operations, ensures consistent food quality, and leads staff when the Executive Chef is away. Responsibilities include menu planning, controlling food costs, training staff, and enforcing safety and sanitation standards.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Manage back-of-house operations for efficient, high-quality service.
  2. Support the Executive Chef with menu development and execution.
  3. Enforce food safety, sanitation, and Metro Health Dept. Inspection compliance of 95%.
  4. Hire, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain a professional environment.
  5. Oversee inventory, ordering, and production schedules, within 2% theoretical food cost

Qualifications

  1. 2–5 years of commercial culinary experience in upscale or fast-paced settings.
  2. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  3. Culinary degree or formal training preferred; significant experience may substitute.
  4. Valid Food Handling Certification.

Benefits & Schedule

  1. Full-time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  2. Competitive salary, bonuses