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Professional Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group USA

NUTRITION OPERATOR

Springfield, IL · On-site

$18/hr

... chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ... and healthcare professionals. * Offers alternatives to menu as allowed on prescribed diet in ...

Compass Group

NUTRITION OPERATOR

Springfield, IL · On-site

$18/hr

... chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ... and healthcare professionals. * Offers alternatives to menu as allowed on prescribed diet in ...

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All JobsProfessional Chef JobsProfessional Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL

Professional Chef information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$28.2K

$63.4K

$94.2K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Springfield, IL is $63,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $74,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are professional chefs?

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.

How much money does a professional chef make?

The average salary for a professional chef varies by experience, location, and establishment, but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 annually. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn over $100,000 per year.

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 highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private estates, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve managing large teams and budgets.

What is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors typically earn the highest salaries among chefs, often exceeding six figures, especially in upscale restaurants or hotel chains. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command high pay, particularly in high-end establishments or managerial positions.

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, and why are they important?

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 does a professional chef earn?

A professional chef's earnings vary based on experience, location, and establishment type, but the median annual salary in many regions ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. Executive chefs and those working in high-end restaurants or hotels can earn significantly more, often exceeding $70,000 annually. Skills such as menu planning, kitchen management, and culinary certifications can influence earning potential.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Chef jobs in Springfield, IL? For Professional Chef jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Chef jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Chef jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Professional Chef jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Professional Chef job openings:
Professional Chef jobs near you
NUTRITION OPERATOR (FULL TIME)

NUTRITION OPERATOR (FULL TIME)

Morrison Healthcare

Springfield, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for full time NUTRITION OPERATOR positions.
  • Location: HSHS St John's Hospital - 800 East Carpenter Street, Springfield, IL 62769. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time schedule. Days and hours may vary. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: 1 year of previous customer service experience is required.
  • Perks: Paid time off, free shift meals, uniform provided, parking, and growth opportunities!
  • Pay Range: $15.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour.

 

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you’ll join a culture that values caring for people, fostering belonging, and creating moments that truly matter. Here, your work has purpose: to nourish patients, caregivers, and communities while upholding the highest standards of detail, quality, and excellence in every meal served.

For more than 70 years, Morrison has supported leading health systems nationwide with culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our commitments, and believe in helping one another achieve more together by realizing our unlimited potential.

 

Job Summary


Summary: Responsible for securing patient meal selections and special requests and needs via telephone or face to face interactions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Follows proper telephone etiquette and procedures with patients, visitors and healthcare professionals.
  • Offers alternatives to menu as allowed on prescribed diet in accordance with food allergies and sensitivities, cultural, ethnic and religious preferences, when patient inquires or needs additional selections.
  • Responsive to patient’s needs at all times. Resolves patient concerns or complaints immediately and/or reports needed assistance to supervisor as appropriate.
  • Complies with dietary restrictions on special, modified diets to ensure optimal food preferences are met within guidelines of diet order limitations.
  • Interacts with nursing to ensure patients’ diet prescriptions are accurate, and patients’ food needs are met.
  • Adheres to facility confidentiality and patient’s rights policy as outlined in the facility’s HIPAA policies and procedures.
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures.
  • Follows HACCP guidelines when assembling and distributing food supplies to ensure quality and safety of food supply.
  • Completes all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the corporate policies and procedures on a timely basis meeting all prescribed deadlines.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS

  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply. 

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.