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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 ...

Trump National Golf Club Washington DC

Sous Chef

Sterling, VA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Provide members and guests with excellent food quality, consistency, and professional service ... The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine in providing excellent quality and ...

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

$62K - $75K/yr

$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

$62K - $75K/yr

$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

$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

$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

$62K - $75K/yr

$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

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 ...

i8is

Sous Chef

Sterling, VA · 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 ...

New

Merriweather Lakehouse

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$49K - $67K/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 ...

i8is

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Sterling, VA · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mi Vida District Wharf

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

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 ...

Succotash National Harbor

Sous Chef

Oxon Hill, MD

$60K - $75K/yr

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 ...

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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 25, 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 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 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 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,480 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Full-time Personal Chef - Bethesda, MD

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Tiny Spoon Chef
Food Services and Drinking Places • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Tiny Spoon Chefexternal

$25 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Are you a culinary professional looking for more work-life balance and career growth than a typical sous chef or line cook position can offer? This full-time personal chef position is Monday through Friday, 8am-6pm, giving you evenings and weekends FREE.
In this role, you'll work as a personal chef for 8-9 clients per week-handling weekly grocery shopping, meal planning, cooking, and kitchen clean-up. You'll have the chance to showcase your creativity in a variety of cuisines while building relationships with clients who appreciate your culinary expertise.
Beyond weekly meal prep, our chefs also:
  1. Host intimate private dining events and dinner parties
  2. Teach cooking classes as a culinary instructor
  3. Lead corporate team-building cooking workshops
  4. Support special projects such as menu design and event catering

What Makes This Role Different from Restaurant Kitchen Jobs?
Unlike traditional restaurant sous chef or line cook jobs, this position offers:
  1. Consistent, predictable Monday-Friday hours (no REGULAR late nights or weekends)
  2. Direct client interaction and creative menu freedom
  3. Opportunities to grow beyond the kitchen into events, education, and leadership

Why Work With Us?
We invest in our chefs through hands-on training, mentorship, and career development programs. If you're someone who enjoys taking initiative, building relationships, and driving growth, this role offers virtually unlimited potential.
At our company, we reward hard work, creativity, and dedication. You'll be more than just a line cook or sous chef-you'll have the opportunity to grow into a private chef, event chef, or culinary leader.
Pay: $25 - 29 per hour
Benefits:
  • Retirement Plan, 401k and 401k Matching
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (After 90 days of employment)
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care Account (DCA)
  • Paid Time Off
  • Profit Sharing

At our company, we value and recognize exceptional performance and dedication. As a testament to our commitment to employee growth and satisfaction, we offer a clear pathway to financial advancement. As a candidate, you can expect the opportunity for a well-deserved raise at the 1 year mark, contingent upon favorable performance evaluations. We believe in rewarding hard work, innovation, and exceeding expectations.
Qualified applicants should have a minimum of two to four years of line experience, a sense of urgency, people skills, attention to detail, ServSafe Manager certification and state-specific Allergen, and have a reliable vehicle.
Previous experience/familiarity with computer/email/Google Workspaces/social media is preferred. All applicants offered a position will be subject to a background check.
Please note that we use E-Verify to electronically confirm Form I-9 information to verify employee's identity and employment eligibility.
Travel may be required during training. (TSC compensates for travel.)
A cover letter is highly encouraged.
Interview Process
15-min fit call - Video interview - Bench Test, cook a meal (Reimbursement) - Full Day Stage (Paid)
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus pay
  • Unlimited referral bonuses
  • Paid training

Schedule:
  • 8-hour shift
  • 10-hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Requirements
  • Culinary Experience: 1 year (Required)
  • Cooking: 2-4 years (Required)

Salary Description
$25 - 29 per hour

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