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Whole Foods Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whole Foods Chef

Harris, NY · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

The Center for Discovery has openings for enthusiastic Whole Foods Chefs with an interest in from scratch farm-to-table, seasonally focused cuisine with an emphasis on precision nutrition for each ...

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Whole Foods Chef information

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How much do whole foods chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for whole foods 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 Whole Foods Chef?

A Whole Foods Chef prepares fresh, high-quality meals using natural and organic ingredients, often in alignment with Whole Foods Market’s standards. They may work in prepared foods sections, catering, or full-service kitchens, ensuring dishes are nutritious and flavorful. Responsibilities include menu planning, food preparation, maintaining food safety standards, and working collaboratively with the team. This role requires strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and a passion for sustainable, wholesome food.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Whole Foods Chef?

To thrive as a Whole Foods Chef, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of organic and natural foods, experience with menu planning, and often a culinary degree or relevant food safety certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and tools like HACCP for food safety compliance is highly valued. Outstanding communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities help chefs provide excellent customer service and manage kitchen staff effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure not only high-quality, wholesome dishes but also efficient kitchen operations and an exceptional customer experience.

What does a Whole Foods Chef do?

A typical day for a Whole Foods Chef involves planning and preparing meals using organic and natural ingredients, overseeing food prep and kitchen staff, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. Chefs also collaborate with store management on menu updates, manage inventory, and engage with customers to answer questions about recipes or dietary needs. The position often requires a balance of hands-on cooking, supervision, and administrative duties such as ordering supplies and scheduling staff. Working in a busy retail environment, Whole Foods Chefs must be flexible and efficient while maintaining the company’s standards for health-conscious, high-quality food.

Is Whole Foods a good place for a career?

A Whole Foods Chef can find career growth opportunities within the company, which values team members with culinary skills and knowledge of organic and natural foods. The role often involves working in a fast-paced environment, requiring food safety certifications and strong customer service skills. Overall, it can be a stable career path for those interested in the natural foods industry.
More about Whole Foods Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Whole Foods Chef jobs? Cities with the most Whole Foods Chef job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Whole Foods Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Whole Foods Chef jobs are:
Infographic showing various Whole Foods Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Love to create meals with fresh ingredients? The Center for Discovery has openings for enthusiastic Whole Foods Chefs with an interest in from scratch farm-to-table, seasonally focused cuisine with an emphasis on precision nutrition for each person. Full benefits include sick and vacation time, 401(k), health and dental insurance, onsite gym membership, onsite daycare, and many others.

DNA, the Department of Nourishment Arts, is a groundbreaking and unique approach to providing all individuals at The Center for Discovery with the ultimate whole foods experience. DNA brings together farmers, chefs, and nutritionists, collaborating to ensure our food and resulting nutrition are optimized at every point along the food chain. This is what we call our Seed to Belly philosophy. Through this shared goal, the food program at The Center continues to make a major impact in promoting health, healing, and quality of life for our residents.

Our culinary team prepares meals using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, creating nutritious dishes that support the health and well-being of the individuals we serve. This is an opportunity to be part of an innovative culinary program where food plays an important role in promoting wellness and quality of life.

This position involves preparing a variety of fresh, whole-food meals using seasonal ingredients, which may include vegetables, grains, and animal-based proteins. Candidates should be comfortable working with a diverse range of ingredients as part of our culinary program.

We are seeking candidates who have an interest in preparing fresh, whole-food meals and who value quality, nutrition, and attention to detail. Experience with food preparation, cooking, meal preparation, or working with fresh ingredients is preferred. Individuals who enjoy learning new techniques, following recipes, maintaining high food quality standards, and being part of a collaborative culinary team will thrive in this unique environment.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Experience with from scratch cooking, meal preparation, working with fresh ingredients.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation.
  • Ability to follow recipes and maintain food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other staff.
  • Interest in fresh foods, nutrition, and continuous learning.
  • Comfort working with a variety of food ingredients, including animal-based proteins.

This is an entry-level Whole Foods Chef position with opportunities to learn and grow within our innovative culinary program. Salary is based on experience and responsibilities.