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School Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legacy Creator Academy

School Chef

Defiance, MO · On-site

$36K/yr

School Chef Starting Pay 36,000 Legacy Creators Academy - Defiance, MO Legacy Creators Academy is seeking a passionate and dependable School Chef to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for our students ...

The Learning Experience

School Chef

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

As a School Chef with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals. You will: * Plan, prepare, and ...

Legacy Creator Academy

School Chef

Defiance, MO · On-site

$36K/yr

School Chef Starting Pay 36,000 Legacy Creators Academy Defiance, MO Legacy Creators Academy is seeking a passionate and dependable School Chef to prepare fresh, nutritious meals for our students ...

SAGE Prep

School Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Proven experience as a chef or cook, preferably in a school or childcare setting. * Knowledge of child nutrition and meal portioning is a plus. * Ability to multitask and work efficiently under ...

harmons

Cooking School Coordinator

Santa Clara, UT · On-site

$15 - $19.40/hr

Assists the Cooking School Chef to ensure the Cooking School is clean, well-maintained, and meets company standards of appearance * Assists the Cooking School Chef in managing the operations of the ...

Ohio Department of Taxation

College Intern

Columbus, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Grow Ohio Grant, a Farm to School subgrant program; professional development led by a chef; and school garden activities that help increase students' access to school-grown foods in cafeteria meals ...

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School Chef information

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$10

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How much do school chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for school chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school chef?

School chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals to students and staff in educational settings. They plan menus that meet dietary guidelines, manage kitchen staff, and ensure food safety standards are followed. School chefs play a key role in promoting healthy eating habits among students and may also accommodate special dietary needs. Their work helps support student well-being and contributes to a positive school environment.

How does a school chef typically balance nutrition guidelines with creating appealing meals for students?

A school chef must adhere to strict nutritional guidelines set by local and national authorities, ensuring meals meet specific standards for calories, sodium, and essential nutrients. At the same time, it's important to make dishes that are visually appealing and enjoyable for students, which often requires creativity in menu planning and presentation. Many school chefs achieve this balance by incorporating student feedback, experimenting with flavors, and updating recipes to reflect popular trends while staying compliant. Collaboration with nutritionists, food service staff, and school administrators is also common to ensure both health and satisfaction are prioritized.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Chef, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in large-scale meal preparation, often supported by a culinary degree or food handler certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and compliance with nutrition guidelines is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and effective communication with staff and students are important soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, nutritious, and efficiently prepared meals that meet the dietary needs of a diverse student population.

What is the difference between School Chef vs School Cook?

AspectSchool ChefSchool Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingBasic food safety knowledge, sometimes on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchen, often larger facilitiesSchool cafeteria, smaller kitchen setting
Employer & IndustrySchools, catering services, educational institutionsSchools, educational institutions
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, food preparation, supervising kitchen staffPreparing and serving meals, basic food prep

The main difference between a School Chef and a School Cook lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. School Chefs typically have formal culinary training and handle menu planning and kitchen supervision, while School Cooks focus on preparing and serving meals with less emphasis on management or advanced certifications.

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School Chef jobs near you

School Chef

Broomfield, CO • On-site

The Learning Experience - Westminster
See more jobs at The Learning Experience - Westminsterexternal

$19 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance

Are you passionate about working with children?
The Learning Experience seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic School Chef to join our team as an ambassador of happiness. 
As a School Chef with us, you'll play a key role in making a difference in the lives of children, their families, and communities by cooking daily nutritious meals.
You will:
  • Plan, prepare, and cook healthy and delicious meals for children that meet proper nutritional requirements.
  • Maintain and track food allergies for each child in our center, ensuring their safety, and communicate any identified allergies to teachers daily with every food delivery.
  • Follow proper food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures to ensure food is stored properly.
  • Collaborate with the Center Leadership team to purchase all necessary food and supplies and keep inventory records as local and state agencies require.
  • Provide excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards parents and children, listen, and communicate effectively.
  • Be flexible and adaptable to the daily business needs of a childcare center.
If you have:
  • A High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • 1+ year of experience in food preparation and cooking.
  • A food handling certificate or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire.
  • The ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
We encourage you to apply now to become a School Chef!
Join our team at The Learning Experience and help make a difference!