1

School Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High School Diploma or GED or related work experience * American Culinary Federation chef certification preferred * Fluent in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications * Familiarity with USDA ...

School Cook / Chef

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Food Preparation & Meal Service The Cook/Chef is responsible for: * Preparing breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to the school's approved menu and schedule. * Following established recipes ...

Executive Chef, Production

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

High School Diploma or GED or related work experience * American Culinary Federation chef certification preferred * Fluent in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications * Familiarity with USDA ...

Banquet Chef

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Yes Luxury Boutique Hotel is looking for a Banquet Chef to join their team. Qualifications ... Classically trained or at least a graduate of a culinary school is a big plus. * Ability to adapt ...

Executive Chef, Production

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

High School Diploma or GED or related work experience * American Culinary Federation chef certification preferred * Fluent in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications * Familiarity with USDA ...

Chef

New Hope, PA · On-site

$25K - $45K/yr

Head ChefSalary Range:$43,000-$50,000 annuallySolebury School (New Hope, PA) seeks a Chef who is passionate about great food and the power it has to bring people together. This is more than a kitchen ...

After-School Cooking Instructor (Chef) About the Role As a Cooking Instructor, you'll lead fun, hands-on cooking classes for elementary, middle and high school students in our after-school programs.

Child Care Teacher

Schertz, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $15.25/hr

Retirement plan with owner matching up to 2% * Free Lunch prepared by our school chef * Accrued Paid Time Off: 40 hours per year the first two years, 80 hours starting the third year of employment ...

Sous Chef - Fay School

Southborough, MA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in supporting the culinary operations of a dynamic K-12 school dining program. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will assist with ...

Sous Chef - Fay School

Southborough, MA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in supporting the culinary operations of a dynamic K-12 school dining program. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will assist with ...

Showing results 41-60

School Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

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.

More about School Chef jobs

What cities are hiring for School Chef jobs?

Cities with the most School Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of School Chef jobs?

The most popular types of School Chef jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for School Chef jobs?

The top employers for School Chef jobs are:

What states have the most School Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for School Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to School Chef jobs?

For School Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

School Cook - Walsh Academy - Niles, IL

Niles, IL

Maryville Academy
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees

$22/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

About the Walsh Academy

Walsh Academy provides specialized academic and vocational opportunities for young men experiencing academic, emotional, behavioral or cognitive challenges that can potentially limit their life success. Students are served in uniquely designed classrooms to maximize effectiveness across the continuum of age and disability type.

About the Food Service School Chef Position

Hours: Part-Time 32 hours per week

This is a Prep Cook/ Dishwasher position at the Walsh Academy of Maryville Academy. Primarily focused on preparing and serving lunches to students and staff. This position reports to the Walsh Academy Chef. Will be responsible for assisting in maintaining a clean and organized kitchen as well as prepping, cooking and serving food in a safe manner.

Pay will be prorated depending on work days remaining in the school year. Basic starting rate is $22 an hour at start of contract.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assists with food preparation for lunches and any other events as needed.
  • Assist with cleaning and organization of coolers and other storage areas.
  • Cleans dishes and maintains a clean and organized dish area.
  • Stores and labels food properly
  • Assists with serving lunch and snacks.
  • Disposes garbage and recycling properly.
  • Sweep and mop floors.
  • Checks in and properly puts away deliveries (First in, first out)
  • Preforms additional responsibilities as requested by the Chef.

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

  • High school diploma / GED equivalent required.
  • At least 2 years of experience working in professional kitchens.
  • Food Handlers Permit required.
  • Good Knife skills.
  • Organized
  • Professional Communication skills required.
  • Ability to take direction.
  • Must be able to perform repetitive tasks and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must have passion for food and food service.

Bonus if you have:

  • Baking/ Pastry Experience
  • Catering/ institutional cooking experience
  • Food Protection Manager Certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Required to frequently sit, stand, bend, stoop, walk and drive for extended periods. Ability to walk up and down stairs.
  • Required to lift/move objects and/or youth weighing in excess of 40 pounds.
  • Must possess the ability to provide physical restraint for students threatening to harm themselves or others.
  • Must have the visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential functions defined above.
  • Must participate in physical education activities with the students and, if necessary, physically interact (intervene) with students.

ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULING

  • Work is performed during school and vocational program days.
  • Work is performed during Maryville Walsh Academy fund raising events and activity leading up to those events.
  • Work is performed in and in association with the Maryville Walsh Academy, as well as in an administrative office setting.
  • Duties involve contact with students who may be verbally and physically threatening, aggressive, suicidal and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Why Join the Maryville Family?

Maryville offers full-time Walsh Academy employees:

  • PPO health insurance options
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • FSA and HSA
  • 403(b)
  • Paid sick days.
  • 9 paid holidays a year
  • After one year of service, you will be eligible for long term disability and life insurance and tuition reimbursement.

For more information about all of the services that Maryville provides, please visit our website at www.maryvilleacademy.org.

Maryville Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, veteran status or disability.