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Instead of sorting through outdated or irrelevant ads on general job boards, you can rely on a platform built exclusively for hospitality professionals.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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
