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Professional Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

RRS Staffing Solutions LLC

Local Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

Professional Cooking: 1 year (Required) as a Sous Chef or higher Description: * Prepare and cook menu items (meats, seafood, vegetables, etc.) according to recipes and presentation standards * Set up ...

Titan Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Managing kitchen staff. • The Sous Chef will be tasked with ensuring all kitchen workers are performing at the level required by a professional kitchen, and may come up with incentives to ensure ...

Seasons 52

Sous Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

$62000 per year - $75000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Seasons 52

Sous Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

$62000 per year - $75000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Seasons 52

Sous Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

$62000 per year - $75000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Mi Vida District Wharf

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Qualifications: * 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role * Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine preferred * Strong background in ...

Seasons 52

Sous Chef

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

$62000 per year - $75000 per year The Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great-tasting food; proper food ...

Merriweather Lakehouse

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The ideal candidate is an experienced culinary professional who leads by example, thrives in a fast ... Support the Executive Chef in the daily management and operation of the kitchen. * Lead and ...

New

Sulgrave Club

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$60K - $70K/yr

The Sous Chef will work at the direction of the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef and ... Lead, mentor, train and develop cooks and stewards while fostering a positive professional kitchen ...

Mi Vida District Wharf

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Qualifications: * 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role * Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine preferred * Strong background in ...

The Group NYC

Sushi Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

A successful chef is someone who is passionate about sushi, sake, Japanese culture, and philosophy ... Polished personal presentation with professional communication skills * Must be able to walk, stand ...

The Executive Branch

Sushi Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Formal sushi apprenticeship, culinary training, or equivalent professional experience required ... As Sushi Chef, you will play a key role in shaping the member dining experience and upholding the ...

Rosselli DC

Pastry Chef

Washington, DC

$23/hr

Knightsbridge Restaurant Group's newest concept, Rosselli Ristorante, and 2 Michelin Star Chef ... Please send resume and 3 professional references. More detail about Rosselli DC part of ...

Succotash National Harbor

Sous Chef

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for ... You'll work closely with an amazing team of culinary professionals, contributing to an innovative ...

Knead Hospitality

Sous Chef

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for ... You'll work closely with an amazing team of culinary professionals, contributing to an innovative ...

Bresca & Jônt

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

Sous Chef - Bresca We are seeking an exceptionally talented and dedicated Sous Chef to join the ... Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training. * Exceptional knowledge of classic ...

Primrose

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$50K - $60K/yr

We seek a professional and organized Sous Chef with great leadership skills and cooking ability. The Sous Chef will assist with menu design, preparation, and execution. A successful candidate will be ...

The Berliner

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$65K - $75K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will play an essential role in bringing this vision to life. Working alongside ... Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement. * Ensure ...

Bresca & Jônt

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$70K - $80K/yr

Sous Chef - Bresca We are seeking an exceptionally talented and dedicated Sous Chef to join the ... Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training. * Exceptional knowledge of classic ...

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All JobsProfessional Chef JobsProfessional Chef Jobs in Washington

Professional Chef information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$72.5K

$107.6K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Washington is $72,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $84,900.00 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Professional Chef jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Professional Chef job openings:

Professional Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Washington 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 $72,480 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Local Chef

RRS Staffing Solutions LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description:

Hi there!!! We are seeking experienced Chefs for an exciting job in Savannah, GA. This is an amazing opportunity to work at an established local institution (batch cooking) with many more possibilities to follow, including travel opportunities with Chef On The Fly!


Start Date: August 17, 2026 (likely long-term position)

Pay: based on experience

Uniform: black kitchen pants, plain black chef coat, black nonslip shoes


Requirements:

- Must be able to pass a background check

- Must have at least 1 year of professional cooking experience as a Sous Chef or higher

- Must have a valid food handlers' card (ServSafe preferred)

- Must have reliable transportation

- Must be the age of 18 or older


Experience:

  • Professional Cooking: 1 year (Required) as a Sous Chef or higher
Description:
  • Prepare and cook menu items (meats, seafood, vegetables, etc.) according to recipes and presentation standards
  • Set up and stock station with necessary supplies
  • Ensure all food is prepared in a timely manner during service periods
  • Monitor food quality and portion control to meet company standards
  • Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures
  • Clean and maintain grill equipment, utensils, and work area
  • Assist with inventory management and report shortages
  • Work collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations
  • Follow all health department regulations and company policies

For the fastest response, call the Chef On The Fly main line and text #DC . Thank you and we look forward to working with you!

Requirements: