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Senior Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cook 1

Vienna, VA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Follow the directives and guidance provided by Senior Chef Management to ensure smooth kitchen operations. Requirements: * 3-5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with a strong ...

Sous Chef

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

At Sunrise Senior Living, we champion the quality of life for all seniors. As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and kitchen operations while ...

Senior Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $78K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team and help drive exceptional dining experiences through outstanding food quality, team development, and operational excellence.

We are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team and help drive exceptional dining experiences through outstanding food quality, team development, and operational excellence.

Senior Executive Chef

College Park, MD · On-site

$110.80 - $132.96/hr

Senior Executive ChefSkip to main content#Senior Executive Chef page is loaded## Senior Executive ChefApplylocations: University of Maryland College Parktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted ...

Sous Chef

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

As a trusted leader in senior housing, we are dedicated to growth while maintaining our commitment to exceptional care for our residents and a supportive, growth-focused environment for our team ...

Sous Chef

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Riderwood Village by Erickson Senior Living Are you an experienced Sous Chef with a strong culinary background and a commitment to teamwork and leadership? If so, join our team and play a key role in ...

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

THE COMPANY Cogir Senior Living, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, proudly oversees a network of senior ... POSITION SUMMARY The Executive Chef leads the community's dining operations, delivering an ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$53K - $72K/yr

At Sunrise Senior Living, we champion the quality of life for all seniors. As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and kitchen operations while ...

Sous Chef

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

At Sunrise Senior Living, we champion the quality of life for all seniors. As a Sous Chef, you support the Executive Chef in leading food production, presentation, and kitchen operations while ...

Executive Chef I

Springfield, VA · On-site

$78K - $85K/yr

Greenspring Village by Erickson Senior Living Lead with Flavor, Inspire a Team, and Create Exceptional Dining Experiences! We are seeking an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a dynamic ...

Senior Executive Chef

College Park, MD · On-site

$110K - $132K/yr

The Senior Executive Chef provides strategic culinary leadership for Dining Services by overseeing food quality, menu innovation, sustainability initiatives, and culinary operations across multiple ...

Banquet Sous Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Support senior leadership by developing and assuming basic management responsibilities * Assume the ... Sous Chefs report directly to the Executive Sous Chef and/or Executive Chef. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts ...

Banquet Sous Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Support senior leadership by developing and assuming basic management responsibilities * Assume the ... Chefs * Lead and coach the team towards achieving exceptional guest service and employee ...

Sous Chef

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

THE COMPANY Cogir Senior Living, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, proudly oversees a network of senior living communities spanning 11 states nationwide. As a trusted leader in senior housing, we are ...

Sous Chef

Fairfax, VA

$65K - $75K/yr

Description THE COMPANY Cogir Senior Living, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, proudly oversees a ... POSITION SUMMARY Our Sous Chef, in collaboration with the Director of Culinary Experience and ...

Sous Chef

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Riderwood Village by Erickson Senior Living Are you an experienced Sous Chef with a strong culinary background and a commitment to teamwork and leadership? If so, join our team and play a key role in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Chef information

See Washington salary details

$28.9K

$77.1K

$112.7K

How much do senior chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior chef in Washington is $77,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $83,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior chef?

Senior Chefs, often referred to as Head Chefs or Executive Chefs, are experienced culinary professionals responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They manage kitchen staff, create menus, ensure food quality and safety, and handle budgeting and inventory. Senior Chefs also mentor junior cooks and are often involved in hiring and training new team members. Their role is crucial in maintaining high culinary standards and ensuring customer satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Senior Chef, you need extensive culinary expertise, menu planning experience, and often a degree or diploma from a culinary school. Mastery of commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and familiarity with inventory management systems are typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication skills help you effectively manage kitchen staff and deliver high-quality dishes. These skills ensure consistent food quality, smooth kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges senior chefs face when leading a kitchen team?

Senior Chefs often navigate challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on cooking, managing diverse personalities among kitchen staff, and maintaining high food quality under pressure. They are responsible for creating menus, overseeing inventory, and ensuring health and safety standards are met. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Senior Chefs must coordinate closely with both kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless dining experience.

What is the difference between Senior Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectSenior ChefSous Chef
CredentialsProfessional culinary certifications, extensive experienceSimilar certifications, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentLeads kitchen operations, manages staffAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff
Industry UsageUsed in fine dining, hotels, restaurantsCommonly found in similar settings, supports senior chefs
Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership rolesFrequently compared as a supporting role

The main difference between a Senior Chef and a Sous Chef is that the Senior Chef typically holds a leadership position, overseeing kitchen operations and managing staff, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the head chef and supervising daily kitchen activities. Both roles require culinary certifications and experience, but the Senior Chef usually has more extensive leadership responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Chef jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Senior Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,063 per year, or $37 per hour.

Senior Sous Chef

Happy Endings Hospitality

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Sous Chef Opportunity – Multi-Unit Kitchen

We are seeking a high-caliber Senior Sous Chef with exceptional technical skills to join our dynamic team at a renowned multi-unit kitchen. If you are passionate about culinary excellence and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this is the role for you.

Position: Senior Sous Chef
Location: Falls Church Virginia
Salary: Competitive 70k-85k

What We Offer:

  • Opportunity to work in a multi-unit kitchen with a focus on precision and creativity.
  • Collaborate with a team dedicated to culinary innovation.
  • Room for growth and leadership in a high-end kitchen environment.
  • Competitive salary, benefits, and a chance to contribute to an esteemed culinary operation.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee kitchen operations across multiple units.
  • Ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and technique.
  • Work closely with the executive chef and team to develop and execute menus.
  • Maintain kitchen efficiency and support training and development of kitchen staff.
  • Lead by example with precision in technique and a commitment to excellence.

Accolades include:

  • The 100 very best restaurants in Washington Dc
  • The 26 Best New Restaurant in the Dc area
  • 7th Best Restaurant in Northern Virginia Magazine

Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of experience in high-volume, fine dining, or multi-unit kitchens.
  • Strong knowledge of modern cooking techniques and culinary trends.
  • Proven leadership skills and the ability to manage a team.
  • Detail-oriented with a passion for quality and creativity.
  • Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards.
  • More benefits/possible compensation if you are fluent in Spanish

If you are ready to take your culinary career to the next level, apply today!

More detail about Happy Endings Hospitality part of Happy Endings Hospitality, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/420865-Happy-Endings-Hospitality