Chef Jobs in NYC – March 2025 Job Listings
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, New York City offers a vibrant culinary scene that’s second to none. From Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy eateries, the Big Apple is the place to be for both aspiring and experienced Chefs.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 53 Chef jobs in NYC, including details on salaries, qualifications and benefits.
53 Chef Jobs in New York City
Take a look at these highly recommended Chef jobs in the New York metropolitan area.
Note: Salaries for Chef positions are often negotiable and may not always be explicitly stated in job ads.
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Assistant Chef
Banquet Chef at JW Marriott Essex House
Executive Chef job
Executive Sous Chef
Events Chef
Chef (Neighborhood Center Program)
Junior Sous Chef
Executive Sous Chef
Chef at NYU Dentistry and Nursing
Executive Catering Chef
How to Apply for Chef Jobs in New York, NY
Applying for a Chef job in New York is competitive, but following these steps can improve your chances:
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to showcase your knowledge of different cuisines, leadership skills, and ability to work under pressure.
- Build a Strong Resume: Highlight your culinary skills, past experience, and any certifications.
- Gain Experience: If you’re new to the industry, consider working as a Line Cook or Prep Cook first.
- Search on Hospitality Job Boards: Use specialized job platforms like OysterLink to find the best Chef jobs in NYC.
- Network in the Industry: Attend food industry events, connect with local chefs, and seek recommendations.
Why Work as a Chef in New York, NY?
New York City is one of the most exciting places to build a culinary career. Here’s why becoming a Chef in NYC is a great choice:
- Networking & Exposure: NYC is home to top chefs and industry leaders, making it a prime location for career development.
- Career Advancement: The city’s dynamic food scene provides opportunities to grow from Line Cook to Executive Chef.
- Competitive Salaries: NYC restaurants offer high salaries and benefits for skilled Chefs.
- Diverse Culinary Scene: Work with international cuisines and top-tier ingredients in one of the world’s best food cities.
How Much Can You Earn from Chef Jobs in NYC?
The average hourly wage for a Chef in New York City is $33.68, which adds up to a yearly salary of $70,060. This is 11.85% higher than the national average of $62,640.
Legal Requirements Applicable to Chef Jobs in NYC
As a Chef working in New York City, you are subject to various labor laws and regulations that protect your rights and govern your employment. Here are some key legal requirements to be aware of:
Minimum wage
As of 2024, the minimum wage for non-tipped employees in New York City is $16.00 per hour. This is the base pay you must receive as a Chef.
Paid safe and sick leave
According to the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, the following provisions apply:
| Employer Type | Leave Entitlement |
| 100+ employees | Up to 56 hours of paid leave annually |
| 5 to 99 employees | Up to 40 hours of paid leave annually |
| 4 or fewer employees, net income ≥ $1 million | Up to 40 hours of paid leave annually |
| 4 or fewer employees, net income < $1 million | Up to 40 hours of unpaid leave annually |
| 1 or more domestic workers | Up to 40 hours of paid leave annually |
| 100+ domestic workers | Up to 56 hours of paid leave annually |
Uniform and equipment regulations
Employers in the state of New York must provide or reimburse employees for uniforms and cover maintenance costs, including laundering. No maintenance pay is needed for “wash and wear” uniforms that don’t require special care.
Employers can also establish a dress code that does not require them to purchase or maintain clothing, as long as this is regular street clothing and not specific uniforms.
If the dress code requires specific branded clothing or uniforms, the employer must cover the costs.
Top Areas to Find Chef Jobs in New York, NY
New York City offers a wide range of culinary job opportunities in various neighborhoods, including:
- Staten Island: Offers opportunities in both fine dining and casual waterfront eateries.
- Manhattan: Home to Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury dining experiences.
- Brooklyn: Known for its eclectic food scene, from farm-to-table eateries to trendy bistros.
- Queens: A hub for diverse ethnic cuisine and fast-growing restaurant ventures.
- The Bronx: Features a growing number of authentic and family-owned restaurants.
FAQs About Chef Jobs in NYC
The job market for Chefs in New York City is highly competitive due to the city’s lively food scene and high demand for talented culinary professionals.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5% growth in chef positions from 2022 to 2032, which means there will be more opportunities over time. However, with so many aspiring Chefs aiming for these roles, the competition is still intense.
Neighborhoods that are particularly popular among Chefs looking for a job include Chinatown, East Village, Williamsburg, Greenwich Village, Hell’s Kitchen and Flushing.
Applicants for a Chef position in New York City might face the following interview questions:
- “What do you know about the culinary scene and food trends in NYC?”
- “What are some of your favorite NYC restaurants, and why?”
- “Given how expensive groceries can be in NYC, how do you handle ingredient costs and stay on budget?”
While formal training can help you become a Chef, experience and on-the-job learning are often just as valuable.
How We Picked These Chef Jobs in NYC
We have selected Chef jobs in New York City based on the following criteria:
- Comprehensive benefits: We prioritized roles offering extensive benefits, including food discounts, commuter benefits, health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and retirement plans.
- Competitive salary: We picked jobs that offer attractive and competitive compensation.
- Reputable employers: We focused on opportunities with employers known for their stability and good reputation.
