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Side Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This position will work side by side with chef-owner to create an awesome destination dining experience. This will be an ambitious venture with highest quality locally sourced meats, seafood and ...

Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Washington, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Executive Sous Chef

Middleburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Executive Chef About Goodstone Nestled on 265 acres in the heart of Virginia wine country ... Work side-by-side with the culinary team during prep and service. * Execute seasonal menus with ...

Sous Chef

Vienna, VA · On-site

$66K - $70K/yr

Oversee kitchen opening and closing procedures, as well as assigned side duties, in alignment with directives from the Executive Chef. * Assist in training, supervising, and mentoring kitchen staff ...

Our Sous Chefs work side by side with kitchen team members to deliver uncompromising quality and craftsmanship in every dish. Successful Sous Chefs are passionate about food made from scratch, lead ...

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Side Chef information

See Virginia salary details

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$21

$39

How much do side chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for side chef in Virginia is $21.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are side chefs and what do they do?

A side chef, often referred to as a sous chef, is the second-in-command in a professional kitchen. They assist the head chef in managing kitchen operations, supervising other staff, and ensuring that dishes are prepared to high standards. Side chefs are responsible for tasks like preparing ingredients, overseeing cooking stations, and helping with menu planning. Their role is essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency and food quality.

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

To thrive as a Side Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through culinary school or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and safe food handling certifications is commonly required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Side Chefs excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, maintain high standards of quality and safety, and support overall kitchen success.

What are some common challenges a Side Chef faces when supporting the Head Chef in a busy kitchen?

As a Side Chef, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as prepping ingredients, ensuring food quality, and assisting with plating, all while maintaining clear communication with the Head Chef and other team members. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities or sudden high-volume orders. Additionally, Side Chefs are often responsible for stepping in during absences or rush periods, which demands flexibility and a strong understanding of kitchen operations. Developing efficient workflows and fostering positive teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Side Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectSide ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, culinary training
Work EnvironmentAssists main kitchen staff, supports prep and platingPrepares dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Side Chef and a Line Cook is that a Side Chef typically supports the kitchen team by assisting with prep, plating, and other tasks, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service on the kitchen line. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Side Chef often has a broader support role, whereas the Line Cook is more directly involved in cooking during busy hours.

What are popular job titles related to Side Chef jobs in Virginia? For Side Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Side Chef jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Side Chef job openings:
Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Locavore

Fredericksburg, VA

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Seasonal New American restaurant Locavore in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia is seeking a strong Sous Chef. This position will work side by side with chef-owner to create an awesome destination dining experience. This will be an ambitious venture with highest quality locally sourced meats, seafood and produce dictating what goes on the menu. Chef-owner has been recognized by The Michelin Guide, The Washington Post and Washingtonian.
While sous chef is preferred, the ideal candidate will display the following traits:
-Goes above and beyond to achieve guest satisfaction
-Strong food knowledge
-Strong leadership ability with patience to train others
-Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner
-At least one year sous chef/lead line cook experience in a leading independent restaurant
-Able to work clean and organized
-Good knife skills and palette
If you want to be apart of something great, please send your resume with two professional references.
More detail about Locavore, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/936559-Locavore