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Student Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group PLC

Chef

Riverview, FL · On-site

Chef Apply now Job no: 718459 Location: Riverview Work type: Full Time Categories: Chef, Cook ... Prepare fresh, nutritious meals daily for students * Assist with functions and events throughout ...

Compass Group

DISTRICT CHEF

Charlotte, NC

$100K - $105K/yr

By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential ... Job Summary The District Chef is a regional culinary leader responsible for leading all aspects and ...

Compass Group

DISTRICT CHEF

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$100K - $105K/yr

By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential ... Job Summary The District Chef is a regional culinary leader responsible for leading all aspects and ...

Compass Group

DISTRICT CHEF

Charlotte, NC

$100K - $105K/yr

By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential ... Job Summary The District Chef is a regional culinary leader responsible for leading all aspects and ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

Kiddie Academy

Preschool Chef

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Preschool Chef will be responsible for creating nutritious, high-quality meals for our young students that meet dietary restrictions and standards. They will be expected to remain on budget by ...

Brigaid

Soledad Program Chef

Soledad, CA

$90K/yr

Increase student satisfaction As the Program Chef, you'll work in SUSD on a full-time and year-round basis, collaborating closely with district leadership to plan and implement solutions in service ...

Brigaid

Torrance Program Chef

Torrance, CA · On-site

Increase student satisfaction As the Program Chef, youll work in Torrance Unified on a full-time and year-round basis, collaborating closely with district leadership to plan and implement solutions ...

Brigaid

Soledad Program Chef

Soledad, CA · On-site

Increase student satisfaction As the Program Chef, youll work in SUSD on a full-time and year-round basis, collaborating closely with district leadership to plan and implement solutions in service of ...

Brigaid

Soledad Program Chef

Soledad, CA · On-site

$90K/yr

Increase student satisfaction As the Program Chef, you'll work in SUSD on a full-time and year-round basis, collaborating closely with district leadership to plan and implement solutions in service ...

Compass Group PLC

Chef Chef roles (part-time) Gold Coast, QLD * Prestigious boarding schools * Genuine career growth ... The Position * Prepare and deliver fresh, high-quality meals for college students and events.

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Student Chef information

See salary details

$16K

$51.2K

$98.5K

How much do student chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for student chef in the United States is $51,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 25 too late to go to culinary school?

Student chefs can enroll in culinary school at any age, including 25, as many programs welcome adult learners. Age is rarely a barrier; skills, passion, and commitment are more important for success in culinary careers. Many chefs start their training later and build successful careers through hands-on experience and continuous learning.

What are student chefs?

Student chefs are individuals who are currently studying culinary arts, often in a culinary school or related educational program. They learn various cooking techniques, kitchen safety, food preparation, and presentation skills under the guidance of professional chefs and instructors. Student chefs may participate in hands-on training, internships, and sometimes work in student-run restaurants or cafeterias as part of their education. Their main goal is to gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to work professionally in the culinary industry.

Can I join culinary school with no experience?

Student chefs can enroll in culinary school without prior experience, as many programs accept beginners. Basic cooking skills and a strong interest in food are often sufficient to start training, and students learn techniques, safety, and kitchen operations during the course.

What is the difference between Student Chef vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectStudent ChefKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsBasic culinary training, culinary school studentsMinimal; on-the-job training often provided
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, culinary schoolsCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, culinary programsRestaurants, catering services, hotels
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning culinary skills, gaining experienceSupporting kitchen operations, assisting chefs

In summary, a Student Chef is typically a culinary student gaining hands-on experience and may have basic training, while a Kitchen Assistant supports daily kitchen operations with minimal credentials. Both roles are essential in culinary environments but serve different purposes in skill development and operational support.

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

To thrive as a Student Chef, you need foundational culinary skills, basic knowledge of food safety, and typically enrollment in a culinary arts program. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to handle feedback are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that Student Chefs can learn efficiently, maintain high standards, and contribute positively to a professional kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges student chefs face during practical training, and how can they overcome them?

Student chefs often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during meal preparation, adapting to fast-paced kitchen environments, and balancing coursework with hands-on practice. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, actively seek feedback from instructors and peers, and practice multitasking in realistic kitchen settings. Building a supportive network with classmates and taking advantage of mentorship opportunities can also ease the transition and foster growth in both culinary skills and confidence.

How to get a chef job with no experience?

Student chefs or entry-level kitchen positions often do not require prior experience; instead, they look for enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and basic skills like knife handling and food safety. Gaining certifications such as a food handler's permit and volunteering or working in entry-level food service roles can improve chances. Applying to internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions and demonstrating a strong work ethic can help start a culinary career without experience.

What is a student chef called?

A student chef is typically referred to as a culinary student or apprentice chef. These individuals are training in cooking skills, often working in kitchens as part of their education or internships to gain practical experience.
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Student Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,195 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Chef Instructor - Professional Savory Programs - Per Diem

Chef Instructor - Professional Savory Programs - Per Diem

The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

CSCA is an iconic New England landmark, and for more than 40 years has been highly acclaimed among the nation's premier culinary schools. Here, students gain the essential knowledge and foundational skills a great culinary education demands - classic fundamentals of cooking and baking, history and influences of the world's greatest cuisines, techniques for mastering common and exotic ingredients, and more.
CSCA is seeking a part time passionate Chef Instructor to teach in our Professional Culinary Programs. We are seeking an enthusiastic, professionally trained and experienced Chef with exceptional cooking, teaching and customer service skills. You will be the catalyst to our professional students gaining confidence in a professional kitchen, learning culinary basics and cuisines, advanced techniques, methods and theory.
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts is looking for Chef Instructors to teach the Food Basics unit of the Culinary Certificate and Professional Chef's Programs. The Food Basics unit is a 16-week-long unit that emphasizes the foundations of savory cooking. Courses include stock & soup, vegetable, grains, beans, egg, moist heat, and dry heat cookeries with emphasis on individual proteins, sauces, and knife skills. Each class is 8-hours long, which includes a 2-hour lecture and 6 hours of lab (hands-on cooking). Instructors teach CSCA - provided lecture notes, power point presentations, outlines, and recipes. Our chef instructors take pride in sharing their knowledge and expertise with students through lecture and hands-on lab classes and doing whatever it takes to help our students succeed in pursuing their passion. Does this sound like you?
PROFESSIONAL CHEF INSTRUCTOR
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Managing class size of up to 15 students
  • Lecturing on class material; supplement with power point presentation (must be familiar with laptop, Power Point software, hdmi cables, television)
  • Assigning daily recipes to class; explaining recipes; managing class production of recipes; maintaining order in kitchen; managing set up and break down of class; assessing students' recipes for taste, doneness, creativity, presentation, ability to follow direction
  • Chef Instructors are responsible for issuing CSCA-issued quizzes, grading quizzes, and evaluating quizzes with students; reporting lab and quiz grades to Director of Education.
  • Chef instructors are responsible for delivering verbal assessments of student skill level daily and at midterm.
  • Chef Instructors are responsible for taking daily attendance and reporting attendance to Academic Supervisor/Director of Education
  • Chef Instructors must attend quarterly faculty meetings
  • Chef Instructors may be responsible for proctoring midterm and final practicums; tasting midterm and final practicums; and proctoring midterm or final written exams.
  • Chef Instructors are responsible for tutoring at-risk students.
  • Chef Instructors are responsible for supervising students as they check in the day's ingredients, stock pantry items, pack ingredient box at end of class, break down and cleanup of kitchens, trash removal, kitchen sanitation, and compost removal, among other duties as assigned by Director of Education.
  • Set-up of kitchen and lecture space as needed, and inventory check at least 1 hour before the scheduled start of class.
  • Maintain the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.
  • Ensures all food items are cooked and served properly and under sanitary conditions.
  • Must be able to multi-task and have a full grasp of all activities occurring in the kitchen at all times.
  • Ensure that kitchen is organized and left in proper condition for the cleaning crew; this includes checking that all equipment is turned off, dirty dishes and equipment are left in good order for the dish washers, and leftover inventory items and equipment are returned to their proper locations

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform other duties as needed, directed or assigned.
  • Must wear CSCA approved uniform at all times while instructing a class or representing CSCA.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS)
  • Minimum of 5 years general cooking experience at a restaurant, catering company, commissary, or in other culinary capacity
  • Minimum of 2 years culinary teaching experience
  • General knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Must be diplomatic, patient, prompt, creative, flexible, fun, thrive in organized chaos, be able to manage, groom; and mentor individuals with different levels of cooking experience
  • willingness to follow CSCA policies, procedures, and education philosophy
  • Ability to communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing
  • Candidates must be able to pass a CORI background check.

WORK HOURS
  • THIS IS A PART TIME, PER DIEM POSITION THAT PAYS BY THE CLASS.
  • Class schedules may vary by week.
  • Number of classes scheduled will vary based on demand, skill set and availability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The ability to lift 25 pounds, stand, kneel, sit, and walk for extended periods of time.
Instructors may be on their feet for up to 8 hours at a time
Instructors will need to handle and lift heavy kitchen equipment, chairs, tables.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job occurs primarily in commercial kitchens which may vary in temperature and humidity.

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