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Professional Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sushi Chef

Reston, VA · 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 ...

Sushi Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$1.2K - $1.4K/wk

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 ...

Sushi Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$1.2K - $1.4K/wk

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 ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Sous Chef Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary ... Requirements Required Qualifications * 3-5+ years of professional kitchen experience with 1-2+ ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

Sous Chef Reports To: Chef de Cuisine / Executive Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary ... Requirements Required Qualifications * 3-5+ years of professional kitchen experience with 1-2+ ...

The Sous Chef must have: * The motivation and leadership skill to represent the Gordon Ramsay Brand ... professional coaching, wellness benefits, and much more! Access to our world-class training ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$81K - $112K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef must have: * The motivation and leadership skill to represent the Gordon Ramsay Brand ... professional coaching, wellness benefits, and much more! · Access to our world-class training ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef - Full Time FTK Hospitality Baltimore | Washington, DC FTK Hospitality DC is seeking ... professional growth and development. Join the Team If you are passionate about leading a top-tier ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef must have: * The motivation and leadership skill to represent the Gordon Ramsay Brand ... professional coaching, wellness benefits, and much more! • Access to our world-class training ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $112K/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 ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef must have: * The motivation and leadership skill to represent the Gordon Ramsay Brand ... professional coaching, wellness benefits, and much more! Access to our world-class training ...

Banquet Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75 - $105/hr

Banquet Chef - Bistro Du Jour Capitol Hill (Royal Sonesta Hotel) KNEAD Hospitality + Design is ... Continuing Education and Professional Development If you're a banquet-driven leader with high ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$100 - $120/hr

Our idealcandidate has strong ethics, a high standard of professional conduct, and approaches their dailyduties with enthusiasm and respect for their role. We are looking for a Chef who takes a ...

New

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Sous Chef must have: * The motivation and leadership skill to represent the Gordon Ramsay Brand and ... professional coaching, wellness benefits, and much more! * Access to our world-class training ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

We invest in leaders who lead by example, inspire those around them, and are dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth. Position Summary * The Sous Chef plays a key leadership role in ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Professional Chef information

See Washington salary details

$32.3K

$72.5K

$107.6K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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:

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.

$10/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Now hiring for our new location in RESTON, opening soon.

Sushi by Bou is a modern omakase concept defined by intimate settings, thoughtful design and an energetic atmosphere. 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, preparing and serving the omakase menu while helping set the pace of each seating. The ideal candidate takes pride in their craft, remains composed throughout service and connects naturally with guests.

Pay

$10 per hour plus tips.

Responsibilities
  • Prepare and serve nigiri, sashimi, hand rolls and other menu items according to company standards.
  • Execute timed seatings with consistency in quality, presentation, portioning and pacing.
  • Engage guests throughout the omakase experience and respond to requests professionally.
  • Prepare, handle and store fish and other ingredients in accordance with foodsafety standards.
  • Maintain an organized workstation with ingredients and supplies ready for service.
  • Monitor inventory and communicate ordering and supply needs.
  • Coordinate with fellow chefs and frontofhouse team members to support each seating.
  • Complete opening, closing and sanitation procedures.
  • Qualifications
  • Minimum 2 years of professional sushi chef experience in an omakase, finedining or comparable chefdriven concept.
  • Strong knife skills and proficiency in preparing nigiri, sashimi and hand rolls.
  • Knowledge of fish preparation, handling, storage and foodsafety practices.
  • Experience working directly with guests at a sushi counter.
  • Ability to execute timed seatings with precision and composure.
  • Engaging presence and genuine ease connecting with guests.
  • Reliable, organized and collaborative approach.
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.