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Union Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Boston, MA

$130K - $145K/yr

Ci Siamo is a restaurant from Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group and James Beard semifinalist Chef Hillary Sterling. This New York Times Top 100 restaurant celebrates the beauty of ...

Executive Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Ci Siamo is a restaurant from Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group and James Beard semifinalist Chef Hillary Sterling. This New York Times Top 100 restaurant celebrates the beauty of ...

Chef

Newark, NJ · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Join OTG as a Chef now at EWR and drive a new type of hospitality. Explore career opportunities in ... Experience working with unionized employees preferred. * Knowledge of FDA and/or major US ...

Chef

Newark, NJ

$75K - $85K/yr

Join OTG as a Chef now at EWR and drive a new type of hospitality. Explore career opportunities in ... Experience working with unionized employees preferred. * Knowledge of FDA and/or major US ...

Senior Sous Chef Salary: $75,000 to $100,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations ...

Senior Sous Chef Salary: $75,000 to $100,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations ...

Pastry Sous Chef Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse ...

Senior Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Senior Sous Chef Salary: $75,000 to $100,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations ...

Chef

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Chef will lead, train and mentor culinary teams which include Sous Chefs and Cooks. Key ... Experience working with unionized employees preferred. * Knowledge of FDA and/or major US ...

Executive Chef - Hotel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Executive Chef at upscale luxury hotel in Chicago Exec Chef - Has to have several years with Union Property - a must! Up to 130k - They do 7MM in F&B majority banquets so strong hotel banquet ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Pastry Sous Chef Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse ...

Chef

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Chef will lead, train and mentor culinary teams which include Sous Chefs and Cooks. Key ... Experience working with unionized employees preferred. * Knowledge of FDA and/or major US ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Pastry Sous Chef Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse ...

Cafe Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York's most beloved restaurants ... The Cafe Sous Chef works closely with the Cafe Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards ...

Cafe Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York's most beloved restaurants ... The Cafe Sous Chef works closely with the Cafe Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards ...

Cafe Sous Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York's most beloved restaurants ... The Cafe Sous Chef works closely with the Cafe Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards ...

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Union Chef information

See salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do union chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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.

Do chefs have a union?

Many professional chefs, including union chefs, work in environments where unions represent their interests, negotiate wages, and improve working conditions. Union membership for chefs is common in some restaurants, hotels, and culinary institutions, especially those with organized labor agreements. However, not all chefs are unionized, and union presence varies by location and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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:
Cafe Sous Chef

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Born in 2017 from the kitchen of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Cafe in New York City, Daily Provisions is a growing collection of all-day neighborhood cafes with restaurant roots. Daily Provisions offers a familiar, yet elevated, menu of classic dishes, including its signature crullers, all-day breakfast sandwiches with a runny yolk, and freshly brewed coffee and teas. Throughout the afternoon and evening, the restaurant serves chef-driven salads, made-to-order sandwiches, seasonal sides, and comforting dinner dishes like its famous Roast Chicken. A beloved neighborhood institution among New Yorkers, Daily Provisions has expanded to multiple locations total across New York, Jersey City, Boston, and Washington, D.C.

Who you are: 

The Cafe Sous Chef works closely with the Cafe Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards in the daily operations of kitchen. They ensure all pars are met in the prep kitchen and oversee execution of the menus throughout service. This position also has an active role in the management and development of Line Cooks, BOH Team Members, and all hourly team members. The Cafe Sous Chef will be in charge of holding the BOH team accountable to consistent feedback and career development through their performance objectives. 

What you’ll do:

  • Consistently deliver a culture of Enlightened Hospitality to guests and team members
  • Partner with Front of House and Back of House team members to enforce systems, routines, and checklists the Daily Provisions way as well as deliver excellent guest experiences across all channels, including in-restaurant dining, third-party delivery, and catering
  • Ensure high performance and maintain excellence & hospitality throughout each day’s specific service periods
  • Ensure consistent execution of food and timely flow of service by directing the team and effectively expediting service
  • Educate FOH Team Members on all aspects of food menu & culinary procedures through tastings and staff presentation
  • Maintain positive working relationship with dining room leaders and line staff at all times
  • Ensure that all recipes, product, food preparations and food execution meet Daily Provisions' specifications and commitment to culinary excellence. To the highest degree possible, ensure that kitchen is kept clean, safe and up to all “A” level health code standards
  • Ensure all team members are appropriately trained to execute station properly, partnering with the Cafe Chef to make sure that all new hires are adequately trained before beginning their new role 

What we need from you:

  • At least 2 years of experience in culinary/kitchen leadership and casual dining
  • Excellent food & beverage knowledge and proven passion for culinary excellence and exceeding guest expectations
  • Experience in training and developing Back of House Team members
  • Ability to communicate in a direct, respectful, and transparent manner across all teams
  • Understanding of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
  • Certification in a Hospitality-related field, or equivalent, preferred
  • English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Cafe Sous Chef, you’ll enjoy:

  • Competitive pay and bonus potential: Annual compensation of $70,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact
  • Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
  • Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
  • Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
  • Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
  • Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
  • Dining Credit: An annual dining credit to enjoy exceptional meals and experiences at any of our restaurants 
  • Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones 
  • Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
  • Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

  • We play to win with humble swagger. Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
  • Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots to build uplifting experiences and relationships
  • Center the salt shaker with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
  • Write a great next chapter. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
  • Bring a charitable assumption and err on the side of generosity
  • Leave our campsite better than we found it; always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

#EnlightenedHospitality