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Union Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $70,000 to $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations ...

Cafe Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York's most beloved restaurants ... The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ...

Sous Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $70,000 to $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Eligible for a 10% bonus potential Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $70,000 to $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations ...

... union experience strongly preferred) * Strong operational and administrative skills -- capable in labor management, cost analysis, payroll approval, recipe documentation, menu planning, and the use ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Pastry Chef Salary: $80,000 to $85,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations ...

Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Chef Location: IAH Airport Compensation: $70,000-$80.000 Annually + Bonus Eligibility Reports to ... Experience working with unionized employees preferred. * Knowledge of FDA and/or major US ...

Showing results 21-40

Union Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do union chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for union 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 union chef?

A Union Chef is a professional chef who is a member of a labor union that represents culinary workers. These chefs typically work in environments where the workforce is unionized, such as hotels, convention centers, or large-scale dining establishments. Union chefs benefit from collectively bargained agreements that provide standardized wages, benefits, job security, and workplace protections. Their responsibilities are similar to those of other chefs, including menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management, but they also adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by their union.

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

To thrive as a Union Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and often completion of a culinary arts program or apprenticeship, along with relevant food safety certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and union workplace protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, teamwork, and time management skills set top chefs apart in managing kitchen staff and maintaining high service standards. These competencies ensure efficient operations, consistent food quality, and adherence to union regulations, which are crucial for success in this role.

What are some unique challenges union chefs face when managing kitchen staff in a unionized environment?

Union Chefs often work within strict guidelines regarding scheduling, job duties, and workplace policies set by collective bargaining agreements. This means they must carefully coordinate staffing and task assignments while respecting seniority and union rules. Navigating these requirements can be challenging, especially during busy periods or when last-minute changes are needed. However, strong communication and collaboration with both staff and union representatives help ensure smooth operations and a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Union Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectUnion ChefLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary certifications, union membershipTypically culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentUnionized kitchens, structured work hoursVaries, often non-unionized kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large hotels, resorts, unionized restaurantsWidespread across various restaurants, non-union
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for union benefits, job stabilityCompared for entry-level roles, daily tasks

The main difference between a Union Chef and a Line Cook lies in union membership and work environment. Union Chefs are part of organized labor unions, often working in unionized establishments with structured benefits and work hours. Line Cooks are typically non-unionized, focusing on daily kitchen tasks. Both roles require culinary skills, but Union Chefs often have additional union-related credentials and job protections.

Are union chefs in a union?

Union chefs are typically members of a labor union that represents culinary professionals, such as the International Culinary Federation or local hospitality unions. Being part of a union often provides collective bargaining, job protections, and benefits. Membership depends on the employer and the specific union agreements in place.

What cities are hiring for Union Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Union Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Union Chef jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Union Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Senior Campus Sous Chef - Union College

Compass Group

Schenectady, NY • On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Salary:  $85,000 - $90,000 / year

Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

The Senior Campus Sous Chef plays a key leadership role in delivering an exceptional dining experience for the Union College community. Working alongside the Executive Chef, this position helps oversee daily culinary operations across residential dining and campus events while ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and hospitality. The ideal candidate is a passionate culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, enjoys mentoring teams, and is committed to creating memorable dining experiences for students, faculty, staff, and guests.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Partner with the Executive Chef to lead the daily culinary operations, ensuring consistent execution, quality, and presentation across all dining locations.
  • Supervise, coach, and develop culinary team members while fostering a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.
  • Assist with menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal offerings that balance creativity, nutrition, and operational efficiency.
  • Oversee food preparation and production to ensure consistency, proper portioning, and adherence to Compass Group standards.
  • Execute high-quality catering and special events, supporting a wide variety of campus functions throughout the year.
  • Assist with purchasing, inventory management, receiving, and product rotation while maintaining food and labor cost controls.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety standards.
  • Support the implementation of new culinary concepts, wellness initiatives, and sustainability programs.
  • Collaborate with campus partners to deliver an outstanding guest experience and respond proactively to customer feedback.
  • Step into a leadership role in the absence of the Executive Chef, helping ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts, culinary certificate, or equivalent combination of education and professional culinary experience.
  • 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in high-volume dining, higher education, hospitality, corporate dining, or a similar foodservice environment.
  • Experience leading and developing culinary teams in a fast-paced operation.
  • Strong background in scratch cooking, batch production, and large-scale food preparation.
  • Catering and special event experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of menu development, food costing, inventory management, purchasing, and labor management.
  • Comprehensive understanding of current culinary trends, nutrition, presentation, and sustainable food practices.
  • Working knowledge of HACCP principles, food safety regulations, and sanitation best practices.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and general computer applications.
  • ServSafe Certification preferred.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate about developing talent, creating exceptional food, and contributing to a vibrant campus dining program at Union College.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1557348

Bon Appetit 

Allison Murphy 


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