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Professional Chef Jobs in Cunningham, KY (NOW HIRING)

Upper Crust Food Service

Substitute Chef

East Prairie, MO · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

American Cruise Lines

Hotel General Manager

Paducah, KY · On-site

... Chef. The Hotel General Manager is expected to provide gracious hospitality to the guests while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our ...

American Cruise Lines

Hotel General Manager

Paducah, KY · On-site

... Chef. The Hotel General Manager is expected to provide gracious hospitality to the guests while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our ...

American Cruise Lines

Hotel General Manager

Cairo, IL · On-site

... Chef. The Hotel General Manager is expected to provide gracious hospitality to the guests while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our ...

American Cruise Lines

Hotel General Manager

Cairo, IL · On-site

... Chef. The Hotel General Manager is expected to provide gracious hospitality to the guests while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient. At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our ...

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Paducah, KY

$14 - $17.75/hr

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who ... chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Paducah, KY · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who ... chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

O'Charley's Team Members

Line Cooks

Paducah, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who ... cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

O'Charley's Team Members

Line Cooks

Paducah, KY

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who ... cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Paducah, KY · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who ... chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment. * Apply * View All Jobs About O ...

O'Charley's Team Members

Line Cooks

Paducah, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who ... cooking, chef, saute cook or grill cook experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

Upper Crust Food Service

Dining Lead

Cairo, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Cook

Cairo, IL · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Paducah, KY · On-site

Our Third Mates are people-oriented professionals and meticulous officers, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews. Third mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef ...

American Cruise Lines

Third Mate

Paducah, KY · On-site

Our Third Mates are people-oriented professionals and meticulous officers, in service to our guests and as examples to our crews. Third mates enjoy comfortable onboard accommodations and chef ...

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All JobsProfessional Chef JobsProfessional Chef Jobs in Cunningham, KY

Professional Chef information

See Cunningham, KY salary details

$26.4K

$59.3K

$88K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Cunningham, KY is $59,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,300.00 and $69,500.00 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 cities near Cunningham, KY are hiring for Professional Chef jobs?

Cities near Cunningham, KY with the most Professional Chef job openings:

Professional Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Cunningham, KY 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 $59,291 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Substitute Chef

Upper Crust Food Service

East Prairie, MO • On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago

Upper Crust Food Service rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Proudly serving Sororities and Fraternities, Upper Crust Food Service is known for freshness, quality, variety, and excellent customer service. Upper Crust Food Service began with a vision to solve a problem that many Fraternity and Sorority houses face. That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country.
At Upper Crust Food Service, YOU are the reason the cafeteria runs smoothly on the days it matters most. We're looking for a Substitute Chef to work as needed in K-12 school cafeterias - stepping in to cover shifts and keep meal service on track when the regular chef can't be there.
This is a flexible, as-needed role: no set schedule, just reliable, ready-to-go coverage when needed. Substitute Chefs step into a kitchen, follow the campus's established menu and spec sheet, and keep meal service running smoothly for the day.
If you're a chef who can walk into any kitchen, get to work, and make sure students eat well no matter what, APPLY NOW. We're looking for an adaptable, dependable Substitute Chef who takes pride in showing up when it counts.
What's in it for you?
  • Set your own availability - accept the shifts that work for you
  • School hours only - no nights, no weekends, and off when school is
  • Experience across different school kitchens and campuses in the district

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Report to the assigned school cafeteria for scheduled substitute shifts, ready to step in on short notice
  • Follow the campus's established menu and spec sheet to prepare and serve that day's meals as planned
  • Set up workstations and prepare the ingredients needed for the day's service
  • Enforce sanitation and food safety standards per state, local, and school nutrition program regulations.
  • Maintain a professional and positive attitude with cafeteria staff, school personnel, and students.
  • Adapt quickly to each campus's kitchen layout, equipment, and routines when covering a new location.
  • Help with unloading, inspecting, and storing deliveries as needed.
  • Communicate shift confirmations and any issues promptly with campus and regional management.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to adapt quickly to a new kitchen, team, and routine with minimal onboarding.
  • Reliable and responsive to shift requests, often on short notice.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with a variety of personalities, including school staff and students.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for confirming shifts and reporting issues.
  • Ability to follow another chef's established menu and spec sheet accurately

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • 2+ years food service experience preferred; K-12 or institutional food service experience is a plus.
  • Have experience with bulk food prep and production in a commercial kitchen setting.
  • Ability to pass a background check and any additional screening required to work on school campuses
  • Have a valid food safety handler and sanitation certification in accordance with state and local regulations or obtain one within 30 days of employment
  • High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety, preferred.

Special Demands:
  • The work environment can be loud and busy. There are many kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and liquids, sharp knives, and slippery floors.
  • Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Required to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals
  • Schedule is on-call and as-needed; hours vary week to week with no guaranteed minimum, and assignments may be at different school campuses depending on coverage needs.

Upper Crust Food Service provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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