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Professional Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Schlesinger's Steakhouse

Chef

Newport News, VA

$55K - $65K/yr

Hospitality Group Chef Are you passionate about working in a fun, dynamic kitchen where your ... benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to support multiple restaurant ...

Opus 9 Steakhouse

Chef

Williamsburg, VA

$60K - $65K/yr

Chef - Fine Dining RestaurantLead a Culinary Program Defined by Excellence We are seeking an ... Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a professional culinary team. * Foster a culture of ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef

Washington, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Location: Central VA Salary: $75,000-$85,000 Benefits: MDV, PTO, 401(k), relocation ... of professional culinary experience, preferably in Michelin-level kitchens - Culinary degree ...

Salisbury Country Club

Sous Chef

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Previous professional kitchen experience required * Sous Chef, lead cook, or other culinary leadership experience preferred * Strong cooking and fundamental culinary skills * Ability to lead and ...

Up On The Roof

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA

$70K - $97K/yr

... professional, and team-oriented kitchen cultureWhat We're Looking For3-5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, upscale dining environmentProven track record ...

Norfolk Yacht and Country Club

Pantry Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Skills and Qualifications: - Proven experience as a Pantry Chef or similar role in a professional kitchen. - Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards. - Strong organizational skills and ...

Norfolk Yacht & Country Club

Pantry Chef

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Skills and Qualifications: - Proven experience as a Pantry Chef or similar role in a professional kitchen. - Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards. - Strong organizational skills and ...

Norfolk Yacht & Country Club

Pantry Chef

Norfolk, VA

$16 - $19.25/hr

Skills and Qualifications: - Proven experience as a Pantry Chef or similar role in a professional kitchen. - Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards. - Strong organizational skills and ...

UP On The Roof

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

... professional, and team-oriented kitchen culture What We're Looking For • 3-5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, upscale dining environment • Proven ...

Boar's Head Resort

Sous Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to contribute to a ... Key Responsibilities: - Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and ...

Taco Bamba Richmond

Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

Description The Chef is responsible for overseeing daily Back-of-House (BOH) operations and acting ... Maintains professionalism and composure under pressure. * Works effectively as part of a team.

Boar's Head Resort

Sous Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to contribute to a ... Key Responsibilities: - Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and ...

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All JobsProfessional Chef JobsProfessional Chef Jobs in Virginia

Professional Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$63.4K

$94.2K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Virginia is $63,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $74,400.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Chef jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Chef jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Chef job openings:
Professional Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,445 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Chef

Schlesinger's Steakhouse

Newport News, VA

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Hospitality Group

Chef

Are you passionate about working in a fun, dynamic kitchen where your culinary creativity can truly shine? Do you enjoy leading a motivated team to deliver exceptional dining experiences? If so, this Chef opportunity with Schlesinger's Steakhouse & Hospitality Group may be the perfect fit.

As Newport News' premier chophouse, Schlesinger's is renowned for its hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and outstanding hospitality. Join our dedicated culinary team and help lead operations while enjoying excellent benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to support multiple restaurant locations as business needs require.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare and execute high-quality menu items following established recipes and standards
  • Develop creative daily, seasonal, and holiday specials
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and health standards
  • Lead, mentor, and develop kitchen staff to foster a positive, high-performing team culture
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and food and labor costs
  • Create and maintain weekly staff schedules
  • Coordinate with front-of-house leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences
  • Uphold Schlesinger's standards for quality, consistency, and operational excellence
  • Provide leadership and operational support at multiple company restaurant locations as needed, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability

Qualifications
  • Previous experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant
  • Strong leadership and team-development skills
  • Excellent organizational and communication abilities
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
  • Proven experience managing food costs, labor budgets, and inventory
  • Willingness and ability to work at more than one company restaurant location based on business needs
  • Reliable transportation to travel between restaurant locations
  • Passion for culinary excellence and continuous improvement

Benefits & Perks
  • Competitive compensation with bonus opportunities
  • Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
  • Paid time off
  • Health and dental insurance
  • Paid training and professional development
  • Employee dining discounts
  • Supportive, team-oriented culture with opportunities for advancement

Location:

Newport News, VA & Williamsburg, VA

If you're a motivated, talented chef ready to lead an exceptional culinary team while supporting multiple restaurant locations, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the Schlesinger's Steakhouse family!

Schlesinger's is the ultimate destination for a great steak. As Newport News' Premier Chophouse, Schlesinger's features a variety of cuts, with choices like Cowboy Cut Ribeye, New York Strip, Filet Mignon and Porterhouse.
Schlesinger's also has succulent seafood such as twin South African Lobster Tails, Rockfish with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, and Jumbo Chesapeake Lump Crab Cakes.