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Professional Chef Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Tri Delta

Cook

Decatur, IL · On-site

$24/hr

Observe kitchen, dining and chapter rules, as determined by the chapter, chef, and house director (varies by location) * Maintain a professional relationship with all chapter members and residents ...

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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 Jun 22, 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 is the highest paying chef job?

The highest paying chef jobs are typically executive chef or head chef positions in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as culinary directors or chefs with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn even higher compensation, especially in major metropolitan areas or international settings.

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.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for professional chefs can reach $2,000 per day, typically in roles such as executive chef, private chef for high-net-worth individuals, or culinary director in luxury hotels and resorts. These positions often require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes certifications, and may involve long or irregular hours. Such roles are usually found in high-end hospitality environments or private settings with demanding clients.

What's the average pay for a professional chef?

The average salary for a professional chef varies by experience, location, and establishment but typically ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $70,000 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 paying type of chef?

Executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors typically earn the highest salaries among chefs, often exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in high-end restaurants or luxury hotels. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command higher wages, particularly in upscale or corporate settings.

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 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
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,425 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Supervisor - Saint John's Breadline

Catholic Charities Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

Springfield, IL • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

Responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations and managerial duties of the St. John’s Breadline regarding planning, preparing and serving meals, managing kitchen staff and volunteers, and following rules and procedures including Public Health and Catholic Charities regulations, procedures, and guidelines. Will also serve guests in a courteous manner that promotes human dignity.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Directs Breadline employees and volunteers and performs work as necessary to ensure:
    • wholesome food items are served on a timely basis
    • all food items, both donated and purchased, are used in an efficient manner and are stored in an efficient, safe, orderly, and logical manner
    • food storage areas are maintained in a clean and safe manner
    • dishes, pots, pans, utensils, floors, kitchen equipment, walls and tables are washed daily and otherwise maintained in compliance with all Health Department and SJB regulations and guidelines
  • Enforces Breadline rules with sensitivity and firmness, while maintaining dignity and respect for the staff, guests, and volunteers. This requires that the supervisor be present in the serving area throughout the serving time. Utilizes corrective actions, as directed, to address workplace behavior that is not consistent with employee code of conduct, health and safety guidelines.
  • Directs staff in picking up food donations and supplies daily.
  • Informs Area Director of kitchen and building maintenance and/or equipment issues.
  • Serves as Head Chef; develops, plans and executes daily menu. Manages donated food with focus on decreasing food waste and increasing cost-effectiveness.
  • Recommends changes in policies, procedures and operations to the Area Director.
  • Welcomes, trains, assists and directs volunteers.
  • In conjunction with the Area Director, ensures adequate staff and volunteers are on shift. (Schedules Public Service Workers, regular volunteers and weekend group volunteers, and covers staff call-ins).
  • In conjunction with the Area Director, tracks and records meals, volunteers, community service and other data for reporting purposes in accordance with Health Department regulations.
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities, Education and Experience:

  • Culinary Degree or Certificate, or two years’ food service management experience.
  • Knowledge of kitchen sanitation and safety regulations. Must have or be willing to become a Certified Food Protection Manager, as required by IL Dept. of Public Health.
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Conflict management skills
  • Ability to manage a team in a fast-paced work environment
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Sensitivity and respect for people in need and the ability to work within the philosophy of the Catholic Charities mission.


Related Job Requirements: Weekend and holiday work as required. Some travel is required. 24-hour availability.

Who We Are:

Catholic Charities is proud of its 100 year history of providing vital social services in our Diocese. As the official social service arm of the Catholic Church, we maintain a substantial presence in ten communities throughout our twenty-eight counties of central Illinois. Area Offices operate in the communities of Alton, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Qunicy, and Springfield. In addition, Catholic Charities manages facilities in Alton (Catholic Children's Home) and Beardstown (The St. Anne Residence). The agency has earned national reaccreditation through COA, the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, which certifies that all programs meet best practice social service standards.

Our vast array of "Continuum of Care" services include professional counseling solutions, senior services and guardianship, healthcare, residential care, independent living; special education, Intact Family Services, food and clothing distribution, St. John's Breadline, Meals on Wheels in Decatur, the Crisis Assistance Program, MedAssist, Mobile Food Pantry, Catholic Charities Legal Services, the St. Anne Residence and discount resale stores. Catholic Charities seeks to respond to the needs of its communities through these diverse programs. Every year, this objective is realized as literally thousands of children and families are positively impacted by our efforts.

Catholic Charities offers a robust benefits package including:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life
  • 403(b) & Pension Plan
  • Vacation, Sick, & Personal Time
  • 14.5 Holidays
  • Employee Referral Program

***Although being a member of the Catholic faith is not a requirement to be employed by Catholic Charities, it is expected and required of all employees to respect, support and uphold the mission of Catholic Charities which is “to extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus”.