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Professional Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef - Fine Dining

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, highly motivated professional chef with a strong sense of hospitality, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a true passion for fine service ...

Sous Chef

Girdwood, AK ยท On-site

$28/hr

Are you a seasoned professional chef looking to run your own kitchen? Do you thrive in mentoring and leading a streamlined and dynamic culinary team? If you're looking to mentor colleagues and ...

$14 - $15/hr

This role will provide you with hands-on training, apprenticeship, and coaching from a professional chef to help grow your skillsets and knowledge in food service and kitchen management.

Sous Chef

Girdwood, AK ยท On-site

$28/hr

Are you a seasoned professional chef looking to run your own kitchen? Do you thrive in mentoring and leading a streamlined and dynamic culinary team? If you're looking to mentor colleagues and ...

Are you a seasoned professional chef looking to run your own kitchen? Do you thrive in mentoring and leading a streamlined and dynamic culinary team? If you're looking to mentor colleagues and ...

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Hunger to Grow Serves as a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards as well as PHG and Ruth Chris Steakhouse specifications, Performs ...

Sous Chef

Chesterfield, MO

$49K - $66K/yr

Hunger to Grow Serves as a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards as well as PHG and Ruth Chris Steakhouse specifications, Performs ...

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Serves as a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards as well as PHG and Ruth Chris Steakhouse specifications, * Performs purchasing function ...

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN

$47K - $64K/yr

Hunger to Grow Serves as a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards as well as PHG and Ruth Chris Steakhouse specifications, Performs ...

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO

$48K - $65K/yr

Serves as a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards as well as PHG and Ruth Chris Steakhouse specifications, * Performs purchasing function ...

Sous Chef

Rogers, AR ยท On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Hunger to Grow Serves as a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards as well as PHG and Ruth Chris Steakhouse specifications, Performs ...

Sous Chef

Chesterfield, MO

$49K - $66K/yr

Serves as a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards as well as PHG and Ruth Chris Steakhouse specifications, * Performs purchasing function ...

Sous Chef Gordon Ramsay

Danville, VA ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

A degree or certification from an accredited culinary arts institute, or apprenticeship certification from the American Culinary Federation or the equivalent years' experience as a Professional Chef ...

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Showing results 41-60

Professional Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 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.

More about Professional Chef jobs

What cities are hiring for Professional Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Chef jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Professional Chef jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Chef jobs are:

Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Executive Chef - Fine Dining

801 Chophouse

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus (annual) based on individual performance
  • Bonuses (quarterly) based on restaurant performance
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off

801 Chophouse Denver is hiring for an Executive Chef!
 
This is a full-time, restaurant management position that directs and oversees the kitchen operations of a high-end chophouse.  The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, highly motivated professional chef with a strong sense of hospitality, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a true passion for fine service, food and wine.
Date Job Posted: August 18, 2026   
Application Deadline: The application window will remain open for a minimum of 5 days from the posting date, after which the Company may move forward with selection and hiring.  This posting will be removed promptly after the position is filled. 
Position Requirements/Desired Experience for Sous Chef:  
  • Minimum of 2 years, but preferably at least 4 years prior experience as an Executive Chef for a full-service, high volume, high-end dining establishment. 
  • At least 5 years working in the kitchen of an upscale or fine dining restaurant. 
  • Candidates with extensive high-end steakhouse experience are preferred. 
  • Ability to work all stations on the line. 
  • Ability to draw upon invention, imagination, and originality in creating new dishes and menu items
  • Understanding/proficiency in restaurant accounting & financials, including opening & closing paperwork, inventory, invoice entry, weekly submittals, etc.
  • Ability to remain calm, professional and use good judgment under pressure.  
  • Ability to successfully work/manage kitchen service in a fast-paced / high stress environment while providing effective leadership to BOH team. 
  • Ability to handle knives, operate kitchen equipment, work with high heat/open flame
  • Ability to follow recipe & presentation guidelines while maintaining proper food safety & sanitation standards
  • Coordinate food orders to support timely / efficient delivery to each table.
  • Meet special guest requests while ensuring same high-quality standards
  • Ability to effectively communicate with both FOH & BOH teams in loud environment 
  • Must be available to work any day of the week (Mon-Sun), including nights, weekends & some holidays
  • Regular, predictable and reliable attendance 
Physical requirements include, but are not limited to: 
  • Physical ability to work on your feet, alertly, for extended periods of time
  • Continuous use of hands and arms
  • Continuous bending, reaching & twisting 
  • Physical ability to frequently lift up to 50lbs
  • Ability to squat, kneel, and climb
Total Compensation: 801 Restaurant Group offers a competitive compensation package.  The Executive Chef receives an annual salary in the range listed below (depending on experience) plus participation in 801 Management Bonus Program which provides for generous quarterly bonuses based on restaurant performance and an annual individual performance bonus.