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Restaurant Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Executive Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Aventura is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to help lead one of Ann Arbor's busiest and most dynamic ... Dining discounts across all TPG restaurants. * Leadership development and growth opportunities. * A ...

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog ... With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most ...

Sous Chef

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

About the Organization OVERVIEW ABOUT DIVIDEND RESTAURANT GROUP Dividend Restaurant Group (DRG) was ... The Sous Chef is an active member of the restaurant leadership team and partners with Chefs from ...

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog ... With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most ...

An established and well-respected restaurant group in the Birmingham area is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the next evolution of its culinary program. This opportunity is ideal for a ...

Sous Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

An established and well-respected restaurant group in the Birmingham area is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to help lead the next evolution of its culinary program. This opportunity is ideal for a ...

Executive Chef

White Lake, MI · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef About Us Suser Restaurant Group is comprised of Sparkies Kitchen & Bar, Stella's Table, and Union 212 Banquet Hall, located in the lakes area of Oakland County. We invite you to join ...

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Sous Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Opportunities - Metro Detroit Multiple Openings | $60,000-$75,000 | Scratch Kitchens ... Several highly regarded restaurant groups across Metro Detroit are seeking talented culinary ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant Javier's Downtown is seeking a talented and driven Sous Chef to help lead our culinary team. We are an upscale, high-volume restaurant known for premium steaks ...

Executive Chef Partner

Troy, MI · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

The Executive Chef supports the Culinary Development team to ensure menu items are executed with excellence in the restaurant. Job Requirements * Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a ...

Sous Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$78K/yr

Sous Chef / Culinary Team Member Upscale Dining Restaurant - Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills, MI We are an established upscale restaurant in the Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills area seeking experienced ...

Sous Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Sous Chef / Culinary Team Member Upscale Dining Restaurant - Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills, MI We are an established upscale restaurant in the Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills area seeking experienced ...

Executive Chef Partner

Troy, MI

$67K - $93K/yr

The Executive Chef supports the Culinary Development team to ensure menu items are executed with excellence in the restaurant. Job Requirements * Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a ...

Executive Chef Partner

Troy, MI · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

The Executive Chef supports the Culinary Development team to ensure menu items are executed with excellence in the restaurant. Job Requirements Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high ...

Executive Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

About the Organization OVERVIEW ABOUT DIVIDEND RESTAURANT GROUP Dividend Restaurant Group (DRG) was ... Description Sullivan's Steakhouse is hiring qualified applicants for Executive Chefs in your area!

Head Chef

Utica, MI · On-site

$1.5K - $2.1K/wk

We are looking for a full-time head chef to run our kitchen in our Italian Restaurant. We make authentic Italian food ranging from appetizers, pastas, entrées, and wood burning pizzas. Executive ...

Sous Chef

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site

$85K/yr

Sous Chef | West Michigan Lake Shore | $70K-$85K Lead the Culinary Team at One of West Michigan ... restaurant in one of West Michigan's most desirable resort communities near Lake Michigan.

A banquet chef must have advanced culinary skills, including knowledge of various cooking techniques, food presentation, and flavor combinations. 2. Organization: Banquet chefs are responsible for ...

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Restaurant Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$21

$38

How much do restaurant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant chef in Michigan is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do restaurant chefs earn?

Restaurant chefs' earnings vary based on experience, location, and establishment size, but the median annual salary in many regions ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn significantly more, often exceeding $70,000 annually.

What are some common challenges restaurant chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Restaurant Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in food quality, handling high-pressure service periods, and managing inventory to minimize waste. Coordinating a diverse kitchen team and ensuring clear communication is also essential for smooth operations. Additionally, adapting to menu changes and accommodating special dietary requests requires flexibility and strong culinary knowledge.

What is a restaurant chef?

Restaurant chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants. They create menus, oversee kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Chefs may specialize in certain cuisines or dishes and often manage inventory and food costs. Their role is crucial in delivering a memorable dining experience to guests.

What is the difference between Restaurant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectRestaurant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceOn-the-job training or culinary school
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, menu planningFood preparation on the line
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, manages staffPrepares specific dishes, follows recipes
Industry UsageExecutive and head chef rolesLine cook positions in restaurants

The main difference between a Restaurant Chef and a Line Cook is that the Restaurant Chef oversees kitchen operations, manages staff, and plans menus, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes according to recipes on the line. The Restaurant Chef has more responsibilities and typically requires more experience or formal training, whereas the Line Cook specializes in food preparation within a team setting.

Is 25 too late to become a restaurant chef?

Becoming a restaurant chef at 25 is common and feasible, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success depends on gaining culinary skills through training, such as culinary school or apprenticeships, and gaining experience in kitchens. Age is less important than dedication, skill development, and building a strong work ethic in the culinary industry.

How to get a job as a restaurant chef?

To become a restaurant chef, gain culinary education through a culinary school or apprenticeship, develop cooking skills, and obtain relevant experience in kitchens. Building a strong portfolio, obtaining certifications like ServSafe, and applying to restaurants with a well-prepared resume can improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant chef?

To thrive as a Restaurant Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, menu planning, food safety, and usually formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure set outstanding chefs apart. These skills are vital to consistently deliver high-quality dishes, ensure kitchen safety, and maintain a positive, productive kitchen environment.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Restaurant Chef jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Restaurant Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Chef jobs in MI? For Restaurant Chef jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Restaurant Chef job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,647 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Executive Sous Chef

Aventura Restaurant

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Aventura is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to help lead one of Ann Arbor's busiest and most dynamic kitchens. Rooted in the energy and spirit of Spain, Aventura brings together bold flavors, wood-fired cooking, vibrant hospitality, and a fast-paced service environment built around teamwork, consistency, and craft.
Working closely with our Executive Chef, the Executive Sous Chef plays a major leadership role in the daily management of the kitchen and culinary team. This is a hands-on operational leadership position focused on people development, kitchen systems, organization, accountability, and consistent execution. While creative collaboration and culinary input are welcomed, this role is primarily responsible for helping lead the day-to-day operations that keep the kitchen running at a high level.
We're looking for a strong kitchen leader who thrives in high-volume environments, communicates clearly, leads by example, and takes pride in building organized systems and strong teams.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Oversee and lead all daily back-of-house operations alongside the Executive Chef.
  • Support and develop cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen leaders through coaching, accountability, and hands-on leadership.
  • Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, cleanliness, organization, and execution during every service.
  • Assist with scheduling, ordering, inventory management, prep systems, and labor controls.
  • Lead line execution and expo during service while helping maintain strong communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
  • Support onboarding, training, and performance development across the kitchen team.
  • Help create a positive, professional, high-accountability kitchen culture centered around teamwork and excellence.
  • Assist in maintaining food safety, sanitation, and operational standards throughout the kitchen.
  • Help drive daily prep organization, station readiness, and shift execution across all kitchen positions.
  • Monitor product quality, pars, and kitchen readiness to ensure smooth service execution and consistency.
  • Partner with leadership to identify operational improvements, strengthen systems, and improve kitchen efficiency.
  • Assist with interviewing, hiring, and developing future kitchen leaders within the organization.
  • Help manage service flow and labor deployment during high-volume periods and special events.
  • Uphold The Pulpo Group's standards of hospitality, professionalism, accountability, and teamwork through daily leadership presence.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
  • 3+ years of kitchen management or sous chef leadership experience in a high-volume or chef-driven restaurant environment.
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, develop, and hold team members accountable.
  • Demonstrated organizational skills with experience managing systems, prep flow, scheduling, and operational follow-through
  • Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with both back of house and front of house leadership teams
  • Operates with professionalism, urgency, accountability, and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.

WHY JOIN THE PULPO GROUP?
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance with company contributions.
  • Company sponsored short term disability.
  • Paid time off & paid sick time.
  • Retirement plan with a company match.
  • Dining discounts across all TPG restaurants.
  • Leadership development and growth opportunities.
  • A collaborative and team-focused culture.
  • Opportunities to contribute to one of Ann Arbor's most respected restaurant groups.

Requirements
PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Demonstrates professionalism, urgency, and accountability in fast-paced kitchen environments.
  • Maintains strong organization and operational follow-through across daily kitchen systems and responsibilities.
  • Communicates clearly and collaborates effectively with both back of house and front of house leadership teams.
  • Supports staff development, coaching, and performance accountability through consistent leadership presence.
  • Adapts quickly and responds effectively during high-volume services and operational challenges.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Remain standing and active for extended periods during service and production shifts
  • Lift and carry up to 50 pounds when needed throughout daily operations
  • Work nights, weekends, holidays, and varied schedules based on restaurant needs
  • Safely operate standard kitchen equipment in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
  • Move efficiently throughout all kitchen areas during active service periods

Salary Description
$75,000 - $85,000 Annually