1

Top Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Washington, DC

$55K - $70K/yr

... top of cooking talent. This is a five day work week with expectation of a 55hr -60hr work week ... Salary is 55k-70k If you are a sous chef looking to make the next step and work with in a Michelin ...

Chef

Washington, DC

$55K - $70K/yr

... top of cooking talent. This is a five day work week with expectation of a 55hr -60hr work week ... Salary is 55k-60k If you are a sous chef looking to make the next step and work with in a Michelin ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

The Saga - Chef Enrique Limardo's culminating restaurant showcasing evolved Spanish-influenced cuisine with top-tier hospitality, featuring an open kitchen concept designed by award-winning OOAK ...

Sushi Chef Opportunities | Award-Winning Restaurant Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants is seeking a ... Competitive Pay with Top Earning Potential * Excellent Training & Career Development Opportunities

Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $97K/yr

We are seeking a Head Chef to join our James Beard award winning team at one of our D.C Michelin ... Top 100 restaurants 2017 Some Things to Know About Us: Our mission is "To make this the most ...

From there, you are guided upstairs to our airy top-floor dining room, delighting in the excitement and aromas as you pass by Chef Danny's entirely wood-fire kitchen enclosed in glass. The experience ...

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Our Sous Chefs partner with the Executive Chef to provide direction and training to team members by ... Top 10 Fast-Growing Chains and as one of 10 Breakout Brands by Nations Restaurant News. For more ...

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Restaurant Sous Chef (DC)

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

This role is integral in training, developing, and retaining top-tier talent, fostering a team of A-players dedicated to culinary excellence. The Sous Chef works closely with the Chef de Cuisine to ...

Sous Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Sous Chef Opportunities | Michelin-Starred Restaurant Group Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants, led by ... Compensation & Benefits We offer competitive salary and top-tier earning potential, along with ...

Restaurant Sous Chef (DC)

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

This role is integral in training, developing, and retaining top-tier talent, fostering a team of A-players dedicated to culinary excellence. The Sous Chef works closely with the Chef de Cuisine to ...

Chef Operator

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Chef Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Chef Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

Sous Chef

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Our Sous Chef, in collaboration with the Director of Culinary Experience and ... Ensure resident satisfaction through a top-notch dining experience. * Direct and manage all back ...

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... top-line sales. * Collaborate with the CDC on QA processes and convert guest feedback into ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Top Chef information

See Washington salary details

$11

$27

$50

How much do top chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for top chef in Washington is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $35.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Top Chef do?

A Top Chef is a highly skilled culinary professional responsible for creating innovative dishes, managing kitchen staff, and overseeing the overall operations of a restaurant or culinary establishment. They are often recognized for their exceptional cooking techniques, creativity, and leadership within the kitchen. Top Chefs may also handle menu development, food sourcing, and ensure that food quality and safety standards are met. In addition to their culinary expertise, they often serve as mentors to junior chefs and may participate in food competitions or television shows. Their role is essential for maintaining the reputation and success of the dining experience.

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

To thrive as a Top Chef, you need exceptional culinary skills, deep knowledge of food safety, and typically formal training from a culinary institute. Mastery of kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, leadership, and strong communication skills help chefs manage teams and create memorable dining experiences. These abilities ensure high-quality cuisine, efficient kitchen operations, and customer satisfaction in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Top Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectTop ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary skills, often culinary schoolSimilar credentials, culinary experience, often culinary school
Work EnvironmentHigh-end restaurants, culinary competitions, TV showsKitchen of a restaurant, supporting head chef
Industry UsageMedia, culinary competitions, restaurant kitchensRestaurant kitchens, hospitality industry
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Top Chef and Sous Chef both require culinary skills and experience, but Top Chef often refers to chefs in competitions or media, while Sous Chef is a key supporting role in restaurant kitchens. Both roles are integral to culinary operations, with Top Chef more associated with media and competitions, and Sous Chef focused on kitchen management and support.

What are some common challenges faced by Top Chefs in high-end kitchens, and how can they overcome them?

Top Chefs in high-end kitchens often face challenges such as managing a diverse team under pressure, maintaining consistency across dishes, and balancing creativity with customer preferences. Effective communication and strong organizational skills help in delegating tasks and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. Staying updated with culinary trends and fostering a positive team environment can also help Top Chefs overcome these challenges and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
What cities in Washington are hiring for Top Chef jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Top Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Top Chef job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,017 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Contemporary restaurant is looking for a chef to lead day to day operation. Daily responsibilities are, but not limited to; food ordering, organizing prep, cleanliness of kitchen, expo, rotation of inventory, new dish creation and working with the GM to maintain daily services.
Minimal experience requirements are, expo, food ordering, 1yr sous chef or 2 yr lead cook and have managed a small team. Ideal candidate is someone who has experience leading a kitchen under a previous chef and is looking to lead a kitchen of their own. Must have understanding of health department standards. The candidate will also need to be a self sufficient and require minimal oversight, this is a position that requires strong leadership skill on top of cooking talent.
This is a five day work week with expectation of a 55hr -60hr work week. Salary is 55k-70k
If you are a sous chef looking to make the next step and work with in a Michelin rated restaurant and James Beard nominated Chef, this is your opportunity.
More detail about Queen's English, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/202556-Queen%2527s-English