Chef Jobs

New Chef Jobs with salaries & benefits from top venues every day

Looking for open Chef positions? OysterLink gives you intuitive resume‑building tools, insider interview guidance, up‑to‑date salary insights, and career resources to help your culinary talent thrive.Read more

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Chef Jobs in the U.S.

Instead of sorting through outdated or irrelevant ads on general job boards, you can rely on a platform built exclusively for hospitality professionals. We’ve streamlined the process so you can focus on what matters—cooking, leading, and creating memorable experiences. 

With 500+ of verified Chef openings across the U.S., you can quickly connect with restaurants, hotels, and caterers that are actively hiring. 

How To Apply for Chef Jobs

Applying for a Chef job can be competitive, but taking the right steps will greatly improve your chances. 

Here are some detailed steps to follow as you conduct your Chef job search and prepare your applications:

1. Build a Professional Chef Resume

Create a strong resume that showcases your cooking skills, techniques and training. Highlight kitchen experience, key responsibilities and achievements like menu planning or awards.

Register an account on OysterLink to access an easy-to-use resume builder for Chefs. 

oysterlink chef resume builder

When using our resume building tool, make sure to:

  • Fill in all details: Add your bio, work history, education and languages to boost visibility.
  • Set privacy: Choose who can view your resume — public or applied employers only.
  • Upload a photo: Add a clean, professional headshot (PNG/JPG, 200×200 px).
  • Update location: Make sure your city is accurate so local employers can find you.
  • Write your bio: Briefly highlight your skills, experience and the type of Chef role you're seeking.

2. Tailor Each Chef Application

Tailoring your application shows genuine interest — and it works.

recruiters prefer customized resumes

A tailored application helps you stand out in a competitive Chef job market. To maximize your chances:

  • Don’t send the same resume and cover letter to every job
  • Mirror the job description and highlight relevant experience
  • Mention the restaurant by name and why their concept excites you

3. Prepare for Chef Job Interviews

Before any kitchen interview, practice discussing your cooking background, culinary philosophy, and how you handle high-pressure situations.

Here are some commonly asked Chef interview questions with example answers to help you prepare and ultimately land your ideal Chef role:

1. Chef Interview Questions About Skills and Experience

2. Chef Interview Questions About Customer Service

3. Situational and Technical Chef Interview Questions

Why Work as a Chef in the U.S.?

Working as a Chef in the United States has become more than just a job—it’s a career path that blends creativity, stability, and strong earning potential.

Strong Job Growth and Demand

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for Chefs and Head Cooks is projected to grow 8% between 2023 and 2033, a rate faster than the average for all occupations.

number of new chef job openings

Competitive Salaries Across the Country

The earning potential further underscores why many pursue this field. The chart below visualizes the latest BLS data on Chef salaries in the country:

annual wage distribution by percentile

In high‑profile metropolitan areas—such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami - Chefs regularly command salaries above the national median, with executive‑level roles often including performance bonuses, profit sharing, and benefits packages.

  • Average Chef salary in NYC: $33.68 per hour ($70,054 per year)
  • Average Chef salary in Los Angeles: $31.28 per hour ($65,062 per year)
  • Average Chef salary in Miami: $30.35 per hour ($63,128 per year)

Vast Opportunities in a Thriving Industry

Beyond pay, the industry’s size and diversity offer enormous opportunities for growth and specialization. 

The National Restaurant Association reports that the U.S. restaurant industry generated $1.1 trillion in sales in 2024 and directly employed over 15.7 million people - with Chefs serving as the creative and operational backbone of that workforce.

Top Paying Chef Jobs

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Explore 500 Chef Jobs - Updated Jul 28, 2025

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Starting from $60,000.00

Starting from $60,000.00

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Entry Level (1-2 years)

Entry Level (1-2 years)

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We are seeking a full time, salaried Head Chef to join our Food and Beverage team in Lake Ozark, Missouri at Osage National Golf Course. The is a full-time, year-round position with a short restaurant closure...

Urgently hiring

Urgently Hiring

Posted 26 days ago

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Exact $20.00

Exact $20.00

Hourly

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Part-time

Part-time

Disability insurance

Disability insurance

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Commuter Benefits

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Eurest, located at 1 Express Way, Saint Louis, MO 63121, is a renowned foodservice company recognized globally for its commitment to service excellence and innovation within the foodservice industry. As a part...

Posted 2 days ago

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Range $54,900.00 - $78,000.00

Range $54,900.00 - $78,000.00

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Full-time

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Free season pass to Winter Park and all Alterra Resorts

Free season pass to Winter Park and all Alterra Resorts

Discounted friends and family tickets

Discounted friends and family tickets

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Winter Park Resort, located in Winter Park, Colorado, is the closest ski destination to Denver, offering unparalleled access to 765,000 acres of public land. This renowned resort is known for its diverse range...

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Range $25.00 - $27.00

Range $25.00 - $27.00

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Akua Behavioral Health is California's leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. With a network of fully licensed and accredited facilities across Northern and Southern California, Akua...

Posted 4 days ago

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Range $70,000.00 - $85,000.00

Range $70,000.00 - $85,000.00

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Paid Time Off

Paid Time Off

healthcare

healthcare

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Competitive 401k match

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OTG Concessions Management, LLC is an innovative hospitality company revolutionizing the airport dining and retail experience across the United States. With more than 300 in-terminal locations spread across 11...

Posted 11 days ago

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Exact $75,000.00

Exact $75,000.00

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Full-time

401(k)

401(k)

Dental Insurance

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Join a prestigious college located near Providence, Rhode Island, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and vibrant campus life. As an institution dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive...

Posted 12 days ago

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Range $75,000.00 - $95,000.00

Range $75,000.00 - $95,000.00

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Paid Time Off

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healthcare

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OTG is an innovative company revolutionizing the hospitality industry by redefining airport dining experiences with a forward-thinking approach. Operating over 300 in-terminal dining and retail locations...

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Exact $20.00

Exact $20.00

Hourly

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competitive hourly wage

competitive hourly wage

opportunities for professional growth

opportunities for professional growth

Collaborative and creative work environment

Collaborative and creative work environment

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We are a distinguished culinary establishment dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences through our passion for fine cuisine and impeccable service. Specializing in Italian culinary traditions,...

Posted 13 days ago

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Range $16.00 - $29.00

Range $16.00 - $29.00

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Invited Clubs is a distinguished organization known for its inclusive culture and commitment to bringing people together through its extensive network of over 200 golf, country, city, and stadium clubs. These...

Posted 16 days ago

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Range $65,000.00 - $125,000.00

Range $65,000.00 - $125,000.00

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Salary

Full-time

Full-time

competitive pay

competitive pay

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Bonus incentive program

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Carver Road Hospitality is a prominent restaurant and food service company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Renowned for its innovative culinary concepts and exceptional dining, day-life, and nightlife...

Posted 17 days ago

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  1. Built for Hospitality Pros: Every feature on OysterLink is designed around restaurant and kitchen workflows. You’ll see the details that matter to you—shifts, cuisine types, team size, benefits, and clear pay information.
  2. Fast, Focused Applications: Upload your resume once and apply with a single click. Our integrated profile system saves your information so you can send tailored applications without wasting time.
  3. Intelligent Filters: Search by city, role, experience level, employment type, or desired salary. Get instant results that align with your exact preferences.
  4. Proven Success: Thousands of Chefs have already started or advanced their careers through OysterLink.
  5. Transparent & Trusted: We vet every employer before they appear on our platform, so you can apply with confidence knowing each listing is legitimate and current.

OysterLink is a hospitality-focused platform that simplifies the search for Chef opportunities.

Use OysterLink’s advanced filters to find Chef jobs by location, title, experience, employment type, or salary.

Pro tip: On each job listing, pay attention to the details provided – many postings on OysterLink include information on salary, qualifications, and benefits. This transparency helps you quickly gauge if a job meets your needs. When you find a great match, you can apply directly through the platform.For example, you can filter by experience or seniority level to narrow your search.

  • Entry-Level Positions: Looking to get started? Find Prep Cook or Line Cook roles. These are great for building your skills and often require 0-2 years of experience.
  • Mid-Level Positions: Ready for the next step? Explore Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager jobs. These typically ask for a few years of experience and let you take on more responsibility in menu planning and supervising staff.
  • Senior-Level Positions: Have significant experience? Search for Head Chef or Executive Chef openings. These roles often demand leadership experience and offer a chance to run the whole kitchen operation, usually in larger or upscale establishments.

OysterLink also allows you to filter by location (find Chef jobs in specific cities or states across the U.S.), by employment type (e.g., part-time, full-time, temporary) and by pay range to match your salary expectations.

Start by browsing our Chef jobs directory and applying relevant filters. For instance, set the city you want to work in (say, New York or Miami), choose the role (Sous Chef, Head Chef, etc.), and indicate desired salary or hourly pay. 

OysterLink will then show you tailored results – hundreds of Chef jobs across the U.S. or numerous of openings in your chosen city. Compare the listings, read the job descriptions, and save the ones that look promising.

Rated 4.9 on Glassdoor, OysterLink is a trusted platform for finding hospitality and culinary job opportunities. 

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Our dedicated selection team carefully screens every employer and job listing featured on our platform, assessing essential factors such as kitchen environment, employee reviews, salary transparency and overall industry reputation. 

This ensures job seekers find reliable, rewarding Chef positions tailored to their career goals.

Sources

OysterLink maintains an extensive database of hospitality and culinary job listings and employers across the United States. Our listings are verified through a thorough vetting process, ensuring reliability and accuracy:

  • Dedicated research: Our hospitality experts actively research and compile top Chef opportunities by analyzing job postings, employer websites and company reputations.
  • Employer submissions: Restaurants, hotels, and hospitality companies can submit job listings directly to OysterLink. Each submission undergoes a careful review and verification process to ensure only genuine, high-quality employment opportunities are listed.

FAQs About Chef Jobs

Employers usually look for a mix of culinary expertise, creativity and strong leadership abilities in Chefs. 

They value skills like:

  • Menu planning
  • Food safety
  • Cost control
  • Attention to detail
  • Adaptability
  • Ability to work well under pressure

To tailor their resumes and cover letters to specific restaurant concepts, Chefs should highlight relevant experience and skills. 

For instance, if applying to a fine dining restaurant, they should emphasize their experience with upscale plating techniques and working with premium ingredients. 

It’s also beneficial to mention any past roles in similar high-end settings and demonstrate an understanding of the restaurant’s sophisticated culinary style.

Besides your food safety certificate (like ServSafe), having American Culinary Federation (ACF) certifications can really boost your chances. 

Titles like Certified Sous Chef or Certified Executive Chef show employers that you’re serious and experienced. 

These are especially useful if you’re applying for senior roles or aiming for upscale restaurants or hotels.

Create a small online portfolio with:

  • Photos of 2–3 of your best dishes
  • A short video of you plating or prepping
  • A sample menu or your cooking style in a few sentences

You can upload it to Google Drive or make a private Instagram page and include the link in your resume. This helps employers see your skills without needing to guess from your job history.

Yes, many high-level Chef jobs (especially in hotels or resorts) offer relocation help like moving bonuses, short-term housing, or travel cost reimbursement. 

This is more common if you’re applying for Executive Chef or Sous Chef roles. If relocation isn’t mentioned in the listing, it’s okay to politely ask during the interview.

Here are four common ways restaurants measure a Chef’s success:

  • Food cost control – keeping ingredients within budget
  • Speed & consistency – fast service, same quality every time
  • Staff retention – keeping your kitchen team happy
  • Clean kitchen – no health code issues

If you hit these goals, you’re more likely to get raises or bonuses down the line.