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Professional Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alyeska Resort

Sous Chef

Girdwood, AK · 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 ...

Alyeska Resort

Sous Chef

Girdwood, AK

$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 ...

ymcafw

$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.

Alyeska Resort

Sous Chef

Anchorage, AK

$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 ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$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 ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

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, • ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO

$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, • ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$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 ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

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, • ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Saint Louis, MO · 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 ...

Splendido

Executive Chef

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

Culinary Arts Degree or Professional Chef Certification Preferred - CEC or CIA ProChef 3. * Ability to multi-task in a demanding environment and make independent decisions as needed. * Effective ...

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Professional Chef information

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$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 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 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.
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:
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What job categories do people searching Professional Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Chef jobs are:
Professional Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Executive Chef-DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area

Executive Chef-DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East - UCF Area

Blue Sky Hospitality Solutions

Orlando, FL • On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Description Executive Chef

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East UCF Area

Position Summary

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading the culinary operations of the hotel, including all kitchen outlets, banquets, and in-room dining. This role ensures the highest standards of food quality, consistency, sanitation, and guest satisfaction, while managing costs and driving profitability. The Executive Chef will inspire, train, and develop the culinary team to deliver exceptional dining experiences aligned with the Hilton brand promise.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

  • Plan, create, and execute innovative menus for the hotel's restaurant, banquets, and catering events.

  • Maintain Hilton brand culinary standards while tailoring offerings to the Orlando/UCF guest market.

  • Ensure food presentation, flavor, and consistency meet or exceed guest expectations.

Team Management

  • Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, promoting teamwork, engagement, and career growth.

  • Create staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage while managing labor costs.

  • Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to maintain high morale and productivity.

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.

  • Monitor food inventory, purchasing, and receiving to maintain quality and control costs.

  • Develop and manage kitchen budgets, food cost percentages, and waste reduction strategies.

  • Partner with Food & Beverage leadership to support service excellence.

Guest Experience

  • Collaborate with banquet and catering teams to design memorable dining experiences for events.

  • Engage with guests when appropriate to personalize and elevate service.

  • Consistently seek guest feedback and implement improvements.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary management experience, preferably in a full-service hotel or upscale dining environment.

  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

  • Proven experience managing banquets and large-scale catering.

  • Culinary degree or professional chef certification preferred.

  • Knowledge of food trends, cost control, and menu engineering.

  • ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and performance incentives

  • Hilton global travel and dining benefits

  • Health, dental, vision, and retirement plan options

  • Opportunities for career advancement within Hilton