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Restaurant Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

POSITION: Executive Chef LOCATION: Hillsdale College, Hillsdale MI DIVISION: Higher Education ... Strong Restaurant Management knowledge * Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with STUNNING ...

Executive Chef

Traverse City, MI

$66K - $91K/yr

Looking for a talented Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead a fast-paced, trendy, high-volume restaurant. This is a growth-oriented company that offers a solid benefits package and takes great ...

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 ...

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 ...

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

About the Opportunity An exciting new, chef-driven restaurant is opening in Grosse Pointe, Michigan this fall, and we're seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision from pre ...

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 ...

Host

Keego Harbor, MI · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Eager to learn and grow with restaurant Chef Ellen grew up in the Washington D.C. Suburbs of Virginia. She studied theater and art at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, and then moved to ...

MDRD Executive Chef

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

MDRD is a modern Spanish restaurant and the Chef must have a strong background in Spanish cuisine and the variances of indigenous foods of Spain and its environs. The Chef must have experience with ...

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$65K - $69K/yr

We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to join our team, leading one of America's most authentic and experiential Spanish restaurants for over 13 years. Led by Executive Chef Quique Franco, born and raised ...

Description We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to join our team, leading one of America's most authentic and experiential Spanish restaurants for over 13 years. Led by Executive Chef Quique Franco ...

Description We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to join our team, leading one of America's most authentic and experiential Spanish restaurants for over 13 years. Led by Executive Chef Quique Franco ...

Executive Chef

Three Oaks, MI · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are an established, full-service restaurant with a great team environment . We pay our Executive Chefs a competitive wage , depending on experience and work Thursday ...

Executive Chef

Three Oaks, MI

$64K - $89K/yr

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM We are an established, full-service restaurant with a great team environment . We pay our Executive Chefs a competitive wage , depending on experience and work Thursday ...

Led by acclaimed Chef Partner Garrett Lipar, our culinary program celebrates the seasons, the Great ... Stand and move throughout kitchen and restaurant spaces for extended periods * Lift and carry up to ...

Showing results 41-60

Restaurant Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$21

$38

How much do restaurant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

$64K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Metz Culinary Management rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

POSITION: Executive Chef
LOCATION: Hillsdale College, Hillsdale MI
DIVISION: Higher Education Dining Services
SALARY: 85-90K
If you are an experienced Executive Chef with a strong background in Institutional Dining, Contract Dining setting, we want to hear from you. This prestigious account includes Cafe, Retail, Food Court, Coffee Shop and a high volume catering piece ($4M) that requires high-end culinary experience.
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion for Food, Service and AMAZING Presentations.
Our Executive Chef must have a mentoring management style creating a culture of fun, creativity and growth. If you have the CULINARY CHOPS and passion for current, trending and diverse menus, and are ready to hit the ground running in a fast paced, high volume setting, we would like to hear from you! Must have Executive and/or Sous Chef experience in preferably an institution style, multi-outlet setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining setting.
Requirements:
  • 3-5+Plus Years in a Supervisory Experience as Sous Chef or Executive Chef
  • High Volume background
  • Institutional facility or multi-outlet experience preferred
  • Impeccable communication Skills
  • Strong Restaurant Management knowledge
  • Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with STUNNING presentation ideas
  • Strong Catering Experience
  • Culinary Degree strongly preferred

Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.

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