Work as a chef in Norway and Sweden

Norway’s culinary scene is truly thriving, and Sweden is also enjoying a vibrant food culture. Modern Nordic dishes shine in Oslo and Stockholm, while fusion flavors captivate diners in Bergen and Gothenburg. For chefs, both countries offer incredible opportunities to elevate their careers.

If you're aiming to advance your culinary journey in cities like Stavanger, Kristiansand, Lillestrøm, Bodø, Trondheim, Tromsø, or Kristiansund, and even across the border in Gothenburg and Stockholm, this guide is for you.

We’ll also introduce Time2Staff, a fresh, user-friendly platform that connects talented chefs with employers looking for the right fit. As you search for your dream chef position in Norway or Sweden, Time2Staff is here to help you every step of the way. Let’s explore the exciting possibilities that await you in these culinary hotspots!

1. Why work as a chef in Norway and Sweden?

1.1 Competitive salaries and benefits

Both Norway and Sweden rank high in global salary comparisons, offering excellent compensation packages for skilled professionals. In Norway, chef salaries can range from NOK 350,000 nad higher per year, depending on experience, location, and role. In Sweden, chefs can also earn competitive salaries, particularly in major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, though the exact figures may vary. Additionally, both countries have robust social benefits, fair working hours, and strong labor protections—making them appealing destinations for chefs worldwide.

1.2 High quality of life and culinary culture

Norway is famous for its unique fjords, mountains, and Northern Lights, while Sweden offers beautiful archipelagos, bustling cities, and rich cultural heritage. In both countries, you’ll find a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, with easy access to outdoor adventures. Their culinary scenes have expanded well beyond traditional fare, embracing modern techniques and global influences. Working in Oslo, Bergen, or Tromsø allows you to experiment with locally sourced ingredients, while cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg open up endless possibilities for fusion cuisine.

1.3 Diverse opportunities

If you’re interested in traditional Scandinavian dishes, fine dining, or casual bistros, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you in Norway and Sweden. In Norway, cities like Stavanger, Kristiansand, Lillestrøm, Trondheim, Bodø, and Kristiansund have thriving hospitality places, where many restaurants and hotels are always on the lookout for skilled chefs.

In Sweden, Stockholm and Gothenburg shine as major culinary spots, with a strong need for talented chefs. The variety of restaurants, hotels, event venues, and catering services creates a lively market, making it a great place for chefs who want to advance their careers in Northern Europe. You’ll find plenty of exciting options to explore!

3. Where to find chef jobs in Norway and Sweden

Time2Staff—also known as time2staff, time 2 staff, time to staff, or timetostaff—is a modern digital staffing platform tailored to the needs of both Norway and Sweden. Designed with simplicity in mind, Time2Staff connects you with qualified culinary professionals (or the right hospitality jobs) based on skills, availability, and location. Gone are the days of endless CV submissions, scattered job postings, and high recruiting fees: Time2Staff offers an intuitive app where employers post their requirements and jobseekers apply in just a few taps. Salaries, work hours, and contract details are all transparent, ensuring clarity and trust from the get-go. Whether you’re an established restaurant in Oslo looking for an experienced chef, or a passionate jobseeker hoping to land a role in Gothenburg’s dynamic food scene, Time2Staff streamlines the entire process—saving you time, reducing paperwork, and delivering fast results.

3. The Time2Staff advantage for workplaces

3.1 Matching platform

If you run a restaurant in Bergen, a hotel in Stockholm, or a catering business in Lillestrøm, you need the right chefs quickly—especially during high season. Time2Staff lets you post job requirements in just a few taps. You include details like location, experience level needed, and our smart matching platform does the rest. This approach saves you hours (or days) of screening resumes.

3.2 Large talent pool across Norway and Sweden

One of the biggest benefits of Time2Staff is its extensive network of chefs, kitchen assistants, and other hospitality professionals across Norway and Sweden. We already have 35,000 professionals in our app. So if you need a sous chef in Kristiansund, a breakfast chef in Kristiansand, or a pastry chef in Gothenburg, Time2Staff’s database provides a wide range of qualified candidates.

3.3 Consistent support

Time2Staff also offers customer support to help you fine-tune your listings or resolve any technical issues. The platform’s user-friendly interface and rapid response times mean you can fill vacancies quickly—even during peak tourist seasons in places like Tromsø or Stavanger.

4. The Time2Staff advantage for jobseekers

4.1 User-friendly application process

If you’re a chef looking to find a job in Oslo, Stockholm, or Trondheim, Time2Staff significantly cuts down on administrative tasks. You won’t need to fill out a dozen forms or tailor your CV repeatedly for different roles. Create a profile showcasing your experience (e.g., sushi chef, grill master, fine-dining specialist), then apply to relevant listings with a single tap.

4.2 Flexible schedules, faster payments

Working through Time2Staff often means you can pick shifts that fit your schedule. The platform also pays you quickly, within 48 hours of completing a shift. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate steady cash flow and dislike waiting for biweekly or monthly paychecks.

4.3 Skill-building and career progression

Time2Staff’s rating system and feedback options allow chefs to track performance, demonstrate reliability, and gain visibility. If you consistently earn high ratings, more employers in Norway or Sweden may reach out for higher positions. This cycle encourages skill development, since better performance leads to better prospects.

4.4 Exploring new cities

One of the perks of Time2Staff is the flexibility to try out different jobs in various locations. Perhaps you want a short contract in Tromsø to experience the Northern Lights, then move to Gothenburg for a new culinary challenge. With Time2Staff, you can explore multiple cities without committing to a long, fixed contract each time.

5. Busy and quiet seasons in Norway and Sweden

5.1 Peak periods

Tourism in both countries spikes during summer (June–August) and around winter holidays (November–January). Cities like Oslo, Bergen, Stockholm, and Gothenburg see get a lot of visitors, and even smaller places like Bodø, Kristiansund, and Stavanger bustle with tourists. Restaurants and hotels often scramble to find staff, so expect Time2Staff postings to multiply, giving jobseekers a lot of opportunities.

5.2 Off-peak months

After these busy stretches, hiring demand may dip. However, this can be an excellent time for long-term contract negotiations, menu refreshes, or staff training. Chefs searching for stable work can use the slower season to refine skills and still pick up jobs posted on Time2Staff, particularly at venues that operate year-round or cater to business conferences.

6. Language and culture

6.1 Language skills

Although many Norwegian and Swedish residents speak excellent English, learning basic Norwegian or Swedish phrases can boost your hireability and help you integrate into the workplace culture. Some job listings on Time2Staff explicitly mention language requirements; others are more flexible if the team is already multicultural.

6.2 Respectful workplace culture

Norway and Sweden both value collaboration, equality, and open communication. Kitchens often have a flat structure, encouraging everyone—line cooks, sous chefs, and head chefs—to exchange ideas. Punctuality, honesty, and a helpful attitude go a long way in building trust and respect in these environments.

7. Key strengths of Time2Staff

Smart matching algorithm
Our system quickly pairs employers with chefs who match specified skills and availability.
Extensive network
We operate across major Norwegian cities like Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Kristiansand, Lillestrøm, Bodø, Trondheim, Tromsø, Kristiansund, and we’re also present in Swedish locations such as Stockholm and Gothenburg.
Transparent contracts
Clear expectations about salary, scheduling, and duties help both employers and jobseekers avoid confusion.
Fast payments
Jobseekers often get paid within 48 hours, improving financial stability and reducing waiting times.
User-friendly app
Employers can post vacancies within minutes, and chefs can apply with a single tap—no lengthy forms.
Reliable structure
The standardized contract approach, sometimes seen as a drawback, is actually a plus. It ensures fair treatment, promotes mutual trust, and leads to a better overall experience.

8. Time2Staff

For both Norwegian and Swedish hospitality sectors, the demand for skilled chefs remains high. Whether you’re a restaurant in Gothenburg seeking a Head Chef, a hotel in Bergen needing a Breakfast Chef, or a chef looking to expand your horizons in Oslo, Stockholm, or beyond, Time2Staff offers an efficient, transparent, and modern solution.

Time2Staff (or time 2 staff, time to staff, timetostaff) streamlines the entire recruitment process, from posting jobs and identifying qualified candidates to ensuring fast and fair payment for completed shifts. By focusing on clarity, trust, and community, Time2Staff elevates the hiring experience for all parties.

For Employers:

Easily post detailed job ads.
Reach a wide pool of chefs, kitchen assistants, and culinary specialists.
Benefit from transparent contracts and prompt placements.

For Jobseekers:

Quickly set up a profile and apply to relevant jobs.
Enjoy flexible schedules, fast payments, and supportive feedback.
Grow your career in Norway or Sweden by exploring diverse roles in multiple cities.

The Norwegian-Swedish hospitality market is as dynamic as ever, and there’s never been a better time to find a job or hire staff. Ready to make your move? Join Time2Staff and experience why thousands of businesses and hospitality professionals trust our platform to connect, collaborate, and succeed. From the cultural hotspots of Oslo and Stockholm to the scenic wonders of Tromsø, Bergen, Gothenburg, and beyond, there’s a culinary adventure waiting for you. Sign up today and let Time2Staff help you find (or fill) the perfect chef position.