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School Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ohio Department of Aging

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 ...

Maschio's Food Service

School District Chef

Montgomery, NJ · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

We are seeking a School District Chef in the Skillman/ Montgomery Twp., NJ area. To provide culinary leadership and support across K-12 school foodservice operations. This role is responsible for ...

Maschio's Food Service

School District Chef

Montgomery, NJ · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

We are seeking a School District Chef in the Skillman/ Montgomery Twp., NJ area. To provide culinary leadership and support across K-12 school foodservice operations. This role is responsible for ...

Primrose School

Preschool Teacher for Daycare

Reno, NV · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Meals and Snacks from our School Chef * Staff Break room with stocked coffee and tea bar * Paid Primrose Trainings * Career support with opportunities to advance within and obtain Child Development ...

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School Chef information

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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

Lunch Program Coordinator / School Chef

West Falls, NY • On-site

Aurora Waldorf School
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Aurora Waldorf Schoolexternal

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Aurora Waldorf School is seeking a Lunch Program Coordinator for the 2026-27 school year.

General Statement of Duties:

Provide healthy lunches - taking into account student allergies - on school days throughout the AWS school year (approximately 33 weeks) to students, faculty, staff, and parents as appropriate.

General Job Functions:

  • Planning and budgeting for meals, supplies, and equipment so that the program does not exceed its expense budget line and meets or exceeds its income budget line

  • Keeping the price of lunch affordable for families, possibly by having additional income streams such as selling meals to go

  • Shopping for all food and supplies

  • Preparing multi-month menus in advance

  • Maintaining appropriate food inventory

  • Food preparation, cooking, and clean-up

  • Overseeing volunteers for assistance with food prep and serving as needed

  • Provide expense receipts to the Business Office weekly

  • Ensure the kitchen meets the standards of the Erie County Department of Health

  • Support the food needs at festivals and school events, including but not limited to food for in-person board meetings and retreats, community dinners etc

Additional Considerations:

Use of AWS garden space is encouraged

Supporting the faculty for students working in the garden and preparing food

Sourcing of local ingredients is encouraged

Encourage students to try new and unfamiliar foods while keeping the menu child-friendly

Including meals from a variety of ethnic backgrounds/influences would be appreciated

Required skills:

  • Knowledge about and passion for food and nutrition, especially for children

  • Organizational and time management skills

  • Experience cooking for large groups and, ideally, experience working in a commercial kitchen

  • Vehicle for shopping

This position starts annually two weeks before the first day of school and ends two weeks after the last day of school. It is an hourly, part-time, in-person, school-year position with an hourly rate of $20 - $25 based on prior experience. Prorated tuition remission is available. During weeks without holidays or half-days, the position is a 25-30 hour/week position.