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Agency Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Palm Springs, CA

$125K - $135K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Palm Springs/Palm Desert area Salary: $125,000 - $135,000 Base Salary + Bonus Benefits: MDV, PTO, 401(k), relocation assistance Property Description: Upscale resort ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Sous Chef

Palm Desert, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Location: Palm Desert, CA Salary: $75,000-$85,000 base + bonus eligibility Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401(k), relocation assistance. Benefits begin after 30 days.

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

$80K - $90K/yr

PTO, MDV, 401k Sous Chef needed for an upscale American restaurant in Los Angeles! Requirements: * 2+ years of Sous Chef experience at busy, American restaurants * Experience using locally sourced ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

Carmel, CA

$55K - $74K/yr

Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale full-service kitchens * Solid technical skills with scratch cooking, systems, and sanitation ...

Hotel Spero

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful operation and administration of the culinary ... Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation, and food subsidies when ...

ACME CUMULUS LLC

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Comply with all applicable laws and guidelines in respect to federal, state and local agencies ... The Sous Chef's job is to ensure that all food is outstanding, keeping with our brand and ...

Tartine Bakery

Sous Chef (Non-Exempt)

Encino, CA · On-site

$30.77/hr

... government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies. o Test cooked food by tasting and ... the Chef. o Continually strive to develop staff. o Order and purchase equipment and supplies. o ...

The Plate Agency

Exec Sous Chef

West Hollywood, CA

$73K - $93K/yr

Company Description A Boutique Talent Agency For The Food And Beverage Service Industry, Hotels ... I'm looking for an experienced Exec Sous Chef who has the proven ability to be a strong team leader ...

Hotel Figueroa

Kitchen 1 Chef/Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27/hr

A., Hotel Figueroa recently completed a stunning restoration by award-winning design agency Studio ... Overview The Junior Sous Chef assists the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the daily operation of ...

Tartine

Sous Chef (Non-Exempt)

Encino, CA

$30.77/hr

... government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies. o Test cooked food by tasting and ... the Chef. o Continually strive to develop staff. o Order and purchase equipment and supplies. o ...

The Variel Assisted Living

$20 - $25/hr

Sous Chef Department: Culinary Services Exempt Status: Hourly / Non-Exempt Rate: $20 - $25 ... agencies relevant to culinary services Good communication skills (oral and written) Good inter ...

The Variel at Woodland Hills

$20 - $25/hr

Sous Chef Department: Culinary Services Exempt Status: Hourly / Non-Exempt Rate: $20 - $25 ... agencies relevant to culinary services · Good communication skills (oral and written) · Good ...

hr360

Chef De Partie - Food Services

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$23.25 - $29.50/hr

The Chef De Partie guides a team of staff and clients, executes food preparation, organizes catering in-house operations, ordering, and transporting/budgetary objectives for the agency. Additionally ...

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All JobsAgency Chef JobsAgency Chef Jobs in California

Agency Chef information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$63.2K

$93.8K

How much do agency chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for agency chef in California is $63,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an agency chef?

An agency chef is a professional cook who works on a temporary or contract basis through a recruitment agency, rather than being permanently employed by a single restaurant, hotel, or catering company. Agency chefs fill in for staff shortages, busy periods, or special events, and may work in a variety of kitchens and cuisines. This role offers flexibility, diverse experience, and the opportunity to work in different environments, but also requires adaptability and strong culinary skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an agency chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Agency Chef, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in various kitchen environments, often supported by professional chef qualifications such as NVQs or City & Guilds diplomas. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning software, and food hygiene certifications like Level 2 Food Safety are typically required. Flexibility, adaptability, and excellent time management help an Agency Chef excel in diverse, fast-paced settings. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, compliance with health standards, and the ability to quickly integrate into different teams and kitchens.

What are some common challenges faced by agency chefs when adapting to new kitchens and teams?

Agency chefs often move between different kitchens, which means they must quickly familiarize themselves with new equipment, menus, and team dynamics. Adapting swiftly to varying culinary styles and management expectations can be challenging, as can understanding unique health and safety protocols in each location. However, this variety also helps agency chefs develop strong adaptability and communication skills, making them highly versatile culinary professionals.

What is the difference between Agency Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectAgency ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, experience, certificationsCulinary degree, experience, certifications
Work EnvironmentMultiple clients, commercial kitchens, event settingsPrivate homes, individual clients, small-scale kitchens
Employer & IndustryStaffing agencies, catering companies, hospitality industryPrivate households, high-net-worth individuals
Search & Comparison IntentCompare roles, job opportunities, agency workPersonalized services, private chef jobs, lifestyle

Agency Chefs typically work for staffing agencies or catering companies, serving multiple clients in various settings. Personal Chefs work directly for individual clients, preparing meals in private homes. Both roles require culinary credentials, but their work environments and client interactions differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Agency Chef jobs in California?

For Agency Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Agency Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Agency Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Agency Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Agency Chef job openings:

Agency Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Agency Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,156 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Executive Chef

Palm Springs, CA

the Chef Agency
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about the Chef Agencyexternal

$125K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Executive Chef
Location: Palm Springs/Palm Desert area
Salary: $125,000 - $135,000 Base Salary + Bonus
Benefits: MDV, PTO, 401(k), relocation assistance
Property Description: Upscale resort destination featuring multiple dining outlets, banquet operations, catering, and in-room dining.
Qualifications:
  • Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in a high-volume upscale, luxury, or fine dining environment.
  • Strong fine dining background with experience overseeing multiple outlets and banquet operations.
  • Proven success in managing food and labor costs while developing and leading high-performing culinary teams.
Requirements:
  • Lead all culinary operations, including restaurants, banquets, catering, and in-room dining, while maintaining exceptional quality and consistency.
  • Develop seasonal menus, drive operational efficiency, and ensure profitability through effective cost controls.
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop culinary talent while maintaining sanitation, safety, and service standards throughout the property.
Additional Requirement: Valid U.S. work visa required. No sponsorship available.
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About Chef Agency

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THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

Social media

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