Chef Jobs in North Carolina

Chef jobs in North Carolina concentrate heavily in the hospitality, tourism, and healthcare sectors, with consistent demand from independent restaurants, hotel groups, and large healthcare systems. Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville are the most active hiring metros, anchored by employers like Atrium Health, Marriott-branded properties, and Kimpton Hotels. The most sought-after specialties include executive chef leadership, farm-to-table cuisine, and institutional food service management. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles139+
Top employerAramark
Top cityCharlotte, NC
Cities hiring48
Work type98% On-site
Top industryRetail

Showing 5 of 139+ Chef jobs

Aramark
Chef Manager- Collegiate Hospitality
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Aramark
Added 1d ago
Chef Manager- Collegiate Hospitality
Aramark
Durham, North Carolina
Account Management
Business Development
Partnerships & Business Development
Sales
No high school diploma
10,000+

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Caromont
Sous Chef
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Caromont
Added 1d ago
Sous Chef
Caromont
Belmont, North Carolina
Chefs & Cooks
Food Service
Hospitality Management
High school diploma or GED
1,001-5,000

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Landry's Inc.
Sous Chef
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Landry's Inc.
Added 1d ago
Sous Chef
Landry's Inc.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Chefs & Cooks
Food Service
Hospitality Management
$55k - $72k/yr
10,000+

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A
Culinary Chef
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A
Added 1d ago
Culinary Chef
Aspire Youth & Family, Inc.
Monroe, North Carolina
Chefs & Cooks
Food Service
Hospitality Management
$17 - $20/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree

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A
Chef
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A
Added 1d ago
Chef
Aspire Youth & Family, Inc.
Albemarle, North Carolina
Chefs & Cooks
Food Service
Hospitality Management
$17 - $20/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's degree

Have you applied for this role?

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Chef Jobs by City in North Carolina

Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Raleigh
18 jobs
Cary
8 jobs
Durham
8 jobs
Asheville
6 jobs
Chapel Hill
5 jobs
Winston-Salem
5 jobs
Greensboro
4 jobs
Burlington
3 jobs

Chef Job Market in North Carolina

A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Aramark
Aramark8 open roles
Morrison Healthcare
Morrison Healthcare4 open roles
Levy
Levy3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Retail
  • Hospitality & Tourism

What North Carolina Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in chef jobs across North Carolina.

  • Servsafe Food Handler or Food Manager certification recognized in North Carolina
  • Proven experience in high-volume or full-service restaurant kitchen environments
  • Ability to manage kitchen staff, scheduling, and food cost controls
  • Culinary degree or completion of a formal culinary apprenticeship program
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP standards and North Carolina food safety regulations
  • Experience developing seasonal menus and sourcing from local or regional suppliers

Chef Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a chef in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not require a state-issued chef license, but food service workers handling food must obtain a Food Handler certification, and those managing kitchens typically need a Food Manager certification such as ServSafe, which is widely accepted by North Carolina county health departments. Most employers expect either a culinary degree from a program like those at Johnson and Wales University's Charlotte campus or Central Piedmont Community College, or several years of progressive kitchen experience.

Which companies hire chefs in North Carolina?

Companies currently hiring chefs in North Carolina include Aramark, Morrison Healthcare, and Levy, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. North Carolina's blend of major hospital systems, resort hotels in the mountains, and a fast-growing urban restaurant scene in Charlotte and Raleigh creates steady demand across a wide range of employer types.

Which North Carolina cities have the most chef jobs?

Charlotte, Raleigh, and Cary have the most chef openings in North Carolina. Charlotte drives the highest volume through its large corporate dining, hotel, and hospital sectors, Raleigh benefits from a growing culinary scene tied to its tech and university communities, and Asheville's nationally recognized food and tourism industry supports a dense concentration of independent and boutique hospitality employers.

Are there remote chef jobs in North Carolina?

Yes, but they're rare. About 2% of chef openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, since most chef work requires hands-on kitchen presence. The small share of remote roles tends to involve culinary consulting, menu development, or corporate food strategy positions that don't require daily on-site cooking.

How can I get hired as a chef in North Carolina with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is starting in a prep cook or line cook role at a high-volume employer like a hospital system cafeteria, university dining hall, or hotel food and beverage department. Large North Carolina employers such as Atrium Health, UNC Health, and Marriott properties regularly hire entry-level kitchen staff and promote from within. Enrolling in a culinary certificate program at Central Piedmont Community College or Wake Technical Community College and earning a ServSafe certification strengthens any application significantly.

Where can I find and apply to chef jobs in North Carolina?

You can find and apply to chef jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 139+ Chef Jobs in North Carolina

Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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