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Professional Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef - Full time

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef Position: Sous Chef Location: Sterling, VA Salary: $60,000-$64,000 per year Employment ... The ideal candidate will have strong professional kitchen experience, knowledge of sous vide ...

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Sous Chef

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site

$4.5K - $5.5K/mo

At least 2-3 years of professional kitchen experience; prior Sous Chef or kitchen leadership experience is preferred. * Experience with Italian cuisine, scratch cooking, pasta, sauces, seafood, and ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Arlington, VA 22203 Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and ... Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high performance and professional growth.

Sous Chef

Suffolk, VA ยท On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

At least 2-3 years of professional kitchen experience; prior Sous Chef or kitchen leadership experience is preferred. * Experience with Italian cuisine, scratch cooking, pasta, sauces, seafood, and ...

Sous Chef

Smithfield, VA ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

At least 2-3 years of professional kitchen experience; prior Sous Chef or kitchen leadership experience is preferred. * Experience with Italian cuisine, scratch cooking, pasta, sauces, seafood, and ...

Sushi Chef

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$10/hr

As we expand, we are looking for talented hospitality professionals to join our team and grow with us. Position Overview The Sushi Chef brings skill, precision and personality to the counter ...

Chef

Richmond, VA ยท 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.

Executive Sous Chef

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$100 - $105/hr

The Club seeks a highly skilled culinary professional who is committed to continuous improvement ... The Executive Sous Chef works closely with the Chefs de Cuisine, Sous Chefs, and Purchasing Manager ...

Sous Chef

Charlottesville, VA ยท 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 ...

Chef

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

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

Sous Chef

Charlottesville, VA ยท 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 ...

Sous Chef

Henrico, VA ยท On-site

$63K - $65K/yr

Paid training and opportunities for professional growth Work Schedule & Environment * Full-time ... Sous Chef ready to take your culinary career to the next level, apply now and join the EAT ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$100 - $150/hr

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee menu development, food preparation, and ensure the highest ... Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high performance and professional growth.

Chef

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

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

Executive Chef

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring that all kitchen operations are carried out professionally, to standards and at the highest level of service. The Executive Chef will achieve desired ...

Showing results 21-40

Professional Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$63.4K

$94.2K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,445 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Sous Chef - Full time

NeoDym Technologies

Sterling, VA โ€ข On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Sous Chef 

Position: Sous Chef
Location: Sterling, VA
Salary: $60,000–$64,000 per year
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Organization

Our client is a leading global food manufacturing and culinary innovation organization specializing in advanced food preparation and sous vide solutions. With established domestic and international operations, the organization serves a diverse range of customers across the foodservice, hospitality, and culinary industries. Known for its focus on quality, innovation, and reliability, the company provides a collaborative environment where culinary professionals can contribute to recipe development, product innovation, customer presentations, and culinary demonstrations.

Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate and creative Sous Chef to support culinary operations, recipe development, menu creation, food presentation, product demonstrations, and client engagement. The ideal candidate will have strong professional kitchen experience, knowledge of sous vide techniques, excellent communication skills, and the ability to confidently interact with clients, executive chefs, restaurant owners, and culinary teams.

Key Responsibilities
  • Research, test, and experiment with recipes in collaboration with the culinary team.
  • Prepare and professionally plate food for client presentations and demonstrations.
  • Collaborate with culinary leadership to create dishes utilizing sous vide products.
  • Assist with menu development based on client and customer requirements.
  • Ensure high-quality plating, garnishing, and food presentation.
  • Communicate with clients regarding ingredients, preparation methods, appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
  • Demonstrate strong knowledge of sous vide cooking techniques.
  • Participate in trade shows, culinary demonstrations, and customer presentations.
  • Develop knowledge of company products, ingredients, composition, and applications.
  • Explain products and culinary solutions to prospective and existing clients.
  • Maintain food, ingredient, and equipment inventory.
  • Follow GMP, food safety, quality, sanitation, and company policies.
  • Travel as needed to support sales teams, customer presentations, and culinary demonstrations.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Chef and/or Sous Chef.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or equivalent culinary certification.
  • Strong professional kitchen and culinary skills.
  • Experience with menu design and recipe development.
  • Knowledge of food safety practices and regulations.
  • ServSafe certification.
  • Knowledge of sous vide cooking techniques.
  • Ability to communicate culinary terminology effectively with clients, executive chefs, kitchen managers, and restaurant owners.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and client-facing skills.
  • Professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Ability and willingness to travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant or comparable high-end culinary environment.
  • Front-of-house experience.
  • Experience conducting client-facing culinary presentations and demonstrations.
  • Previous experience working with sous vide products and techniques.