Q: How do I join the Montclair Chef network?

Register at https://www.montclairchef.com/register. We seek chefs with Michelin-starred restaurant experience, luxury hospitality backgrounds, or proven private service credentials. Include your culinary portfolio, certifications, and detailed work history.

Q: What salary can I expect as a private chef or yacht chef?

Compensation varies by role and location. Private Estate Chef: $120,000–$250,000+ annually. Superyacht Chef: $60,000–$150,000+ annually. Performance Chef: $80,000–$200,000+ annually. Freelance/Trial: $300–$1,000+ daily. Celebrity & Michelin Star Chef: $5,000–$15,000+ per event. See our Salary Calculator for detailed salary comparisons.

Question 1

How do I join the Montclair Chef network?

Accepted Answer

Register at https://www.montclairchef.com/register . We seek chefs with Michelin-starred restaurant experience, luxury hospitality backgrounds, or proven private service credentials. Include your culinary portfolio, certifications, and detailed work history.

Question 2

What qualifications do you look for?

Accepted Answer

We prioritize Michelin-starred restaurant training, luxury hotel experience, or proven private chef backgrounds. For yacht positions, STCW and ENG1 certifications are required. Food Hygiene Level 2 is mandatory for all positions. We operate globally across premier luxury destinations and seasonal residences.

Question 3

Do I need Michelin-star experience to apply?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. While Michelin training is valued, we also place chefs with strong fine-dining backgrounds, luxury hotel experience, or proven success in private households. What matters most is culinary excellence, discretion, and a service mindset.

Question 4

What salary can I expect as a private chef or yacht chef?

Accepted Answer

Compensation varies by role and location:
- Private Estate Chef: $120,000–$250,000+ annually
- Superyacht Chef: $60,000–$150,000+ annually
- Performance Chef: $80,000–$200,000+ annually
- Freelance/Trial: $300–$1,000+ daily
- Celebrity & Michelin Star Chef: $5,000–$15,000+ per event

See our Salary Calculator for detailed salary and compare yours to the industry standards.

Question 5

Do you place chefs internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We operate globally, covering Monaco, New York, London, Paris, Dubai, Geneva, Miami, Los Angeles, and seasonal locations like Aspen, St. Moritz, and the Hamptons.

Question 6

What does the placement process involve?

Accepted Answer

After registration, qualified candidates undergo phone screening, portfolio review, reference verification, and client matching. Successful matches typically include cooking trials before final placement.

Question 7

How do I apply for jobs at Montclair Chef?

Accepted Answer

Visit our Job Opportunities page to view live roles, or register at montclairchef.com/register to join our network and be considered for future placements.

Question 8

How can I increase my chances of placement?

Accepted Answer

Build a professional culinary portfolio with high-quality photos. You can use our free chef portfolio maker here
Maintain relevant certifications. Develop specialization in dietary restrictions or cultural cuisines. Showcase adaptability for travel. Maintain impeccable references from previous positions.

Question 9

Do I need to register to apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To be considered for any of our live jobs, you'll need to register first at montclairchef.com/register.

Question 10

What certifications are required for yacht chef positions?

Accepted Answer

Essential yachting certifications include: STCW95 (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping), ENG1 Medical Certificate, Food Hygiene Level 2 (MCA-recognized), and SCC (Ship's Cook Certificate) may be required for larger vessels.

Question 11

What ongoing support do you provide?

Accepted Answer

We maintain regular contact with placed chefs, provide conflict resolution support, assist with contract negotiations, and offer guidance on industry best practices and compensation benchmarks.

Question 12

What if a placement doesn't work out?

Accepted Answer

We support both chefs and clients through transitions. If a placement ends during the guarantee period, we work to find a suitable new match. Our goal is long-term success for everyone.

Question 13

Do I need a visa to work as a private chef or yacht chef, and do you help with sponsorship?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases you'll need a valid visa and the right to work in the country where the position is based. You'll also typically need to be on-site with your own accommodation arranged, unless the role includes a live-in package.

Visa sponsorship by private families is rarely possible. Regulations have become stricter, and most UHNW households are not set up to sponsor work visas—even if this was more common in the past.

The exception is the B1/B2 visa for superyacht positions, which is more straightforward but still requires employment by the vessel, yacht documentation, and a captain's letter. Approval is never guaranteed and depends on factors outside our control.

We recommend checking with your own embassy or immigration authority for current visa requirements before applying for international positions.

Question 14

Am I guaranteed to get a job if I register?

Accepted Answer

No. Registration does not guarantee placement.

We receive more applications than available positions, and only a select number of chefs are matched to live roles.
Every application is reviewed fairly, and all candidates have an equal opportunity to be considered. Job listings are for information purposes only—details may change, and positions are never guaranteed until a formal offer is made.

Montclair Chef acts as a placement agency. We are not the employer.

All employment terms, contracts, and conditions are between you and the hiring client or their representative.

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