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American Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bouchon - Yountville

Chef de Partie

Yountville, CA

$21.75 - $27.25/hr

Chef Thomas Keller raises the bar for the American culinary scene. His restaurants are legendary - The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se among them - and he is the only American-born chef to ever ...

Bouchon - Yountville

Chef de Partie

Yountville, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Chef Thomas Keller raises the bar for the American culinary scene. His restaurants are legendary - The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se among them - and he is the only American-born chef to ever ...

Bouchon - Yountville

Chef de Partie

Yountville, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $27.25/hr

Chef Thomas Keller raises the bar for the American culinary scene. His restaurants are legendary - The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se among them - and he is the only American-born chef to ever ...

The French Laundry

Porter

Yountville, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Chef Thomas Keller raises the bar for the American culinary scene. His restaurants are legendary - The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se among them - and he is the only American-born chef to ever ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$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 ...

American Golf

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

ABOUT AMERICAN GOLF American Golf is a trusted leader in golf hospitality, known for elevating the ... Job Purpose The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team in delivering ...

American Golf

Sous Chef

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

ABOUT AMERICAN GOLF American Golf is a trusted leader in golf hospitality, known for elevating the ... Job Purpose The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team in delivering ...

American Golf Corporation

Sous Chef

Granada Hills, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

ABOUT AMERICAN GOLF American Golf is a trusted leader in golf hospitality, known for elevating the ... Job Purpose The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team in delivering ...

Paul Martin's American Grill

Sous Chef

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$53K - $71K/yr

NOW HIRING SOUS CHEFS Paul Martin's American Grill is a neighborhood restaurant where genuine hospitality and dedication can lead to a lifetime career. We are a growing restaurant concept and are ...

Paul Martin's American Grill

Sous Chef

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

NOW HIRING SOUS CHEFS Paul Martin's American Grill is a neighborhood restaurant where genuine hospitality and dedication can lead to a lifetime career. We are a growing restaurant concept and are ...

Paul Martin's American Grill

Sous Chef

Roseville, CA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

NOW HIRING SOUS CHEFS Paul Martin's American Grill is a neighborhood restaurant where genuine hospitality and dedication can lead to a lifetime career. We are a growing restaurant concept and are ...

Paul Martin's American Grill

Sous Chef

Westlake Village, CA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

NOW HIRING SOUS CHEFS Paul Martin's American Grill is a neighborhood restaurant where genuine hospitality and dedication can lead to a lifetime career. We are a growing restaurant concept and are ...

Paul Martin's American Grill

Sous Chef

Irvine, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

NOW HIRING SOUS CHEFS Paul Martin's American Grill is a neighborhood restaurant where genuine hospitality and dedication can lead to a lifetime career. We are a growing restaurant concept and are ...

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All JobsAmerican Chef JobsAmerican Chef Jobs in California

American Chef information

See California salary details

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$24

$44

How much do american chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for american chef in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an American chef do?

An American Chef is a culinary professional who specializes in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes that reflect American cuisine. Their responsibilities often include designing menus, sourcing ingredients, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food safety standards are met. American Chefs may work in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments and often put their own unique spin on regional or traditional American dishes. They also stay updated on culinary trends and may be involved in food presentation and customer service.

How does an American chef typically collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure a smooth dining service?

An American Chef works closely with sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen assistants to coordinate food preparation and ensure dishes are ready in a timely manner. Effective communication is key, as chefs must delegate tasks, manage timing for multiple orders, and uphold quality standards throughout the shift. Regular meetings or pre-service briefings help align the team on menu changes or special requests. Collaboration with front-of-house staff is also important to address customer feedback and maintain a positive dining experience.

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

To thrive as an American Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, a strong understanding of food safety, and often a degree from a culinary school or equivalent kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, leadership, and effective communication are vital soft skills for menu development and managing kitchen staff. These competencies ensure high-quality food preparation, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between American Chef vs Executive Chef?

AspectAmerican ChefExecutive Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesSame as American Chef, plus management experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, hotels, cateringKitchen leadership, overseeing culinary operations
Industry UsageLine cooks, sous chefs, culinary staffHead of kitchen, managerial role
Search & ComparisonOften searched by aspiring cooks and culinary studentsCompared for leadership and management roles

The American Chef typically refers to a skilled cook working in various culinary settings, focusing on cooking techniques and food preparation. The Executive Chef, on the other hand, is a managerial role overseeing kitchen operations, staff, and menu planning. While both roles require culinary skills and certifications, the Executive Chef has additional leadership responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the culinary industry.

How much do American chefs get paid?

American chefs' salaries vary based on experience, location, and establishment type, but the median annual wage is around $50,000. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn significantly more, often exceeding $70,000 annually.

Is 25 too late to become an American chef?

Becoming an American chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success depends on gaining culinary skills, experience, and possibly obtaining certifications like culinary degrees or apprenticeships, regardless of age.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for American Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most American Chef job openings:

American Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various American Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Chef de Partie

Bouchon - Yountville

Yountville, CA

$21.75 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Chef Thomas Keller's Yountville restaurant, Bouchon, is seeking enthusiastic and capable individuals who are passionate about food, beverage and hospitality to join the culinary brigade as a Chef de Partie. 
Bouchon showcases authentic, seasonally driven French bistro fare prepared with an unfailing attention to detail in both ingredients and presentation. Opened in 1998 and designed by Adam D. Tihany, the Yountville location serves as the restaurant’s flagship. 

Qualified individuals should possess a strong attention to detail, organization and cleanliness. In addition to technical skills of a minimum of 1 year  of experience, the individual must have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to be a team collaborator. 

Chef Keller’s collection of restaurants is founded on a culture of mentorship and provides a solid foundation of skills to support the culinary profession. We are proud to offer:

  • 401K with no waiting periods and the opportunity to receive up to 4.0% of your income as matching contributions
  • Competitive health insurance options, with employer contributions toward your premium based on the plan you choose*
  • Voluntary plans such as vision, life and AD&D insurance, accident, hospitalization, critical illness plans, pet insurance and long-term disability insurance.
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • Family meal
  • Scholarship programs
  • Peer mentorship program
  • Employee discounts at Chef Thomas Keller’s casual properties
  • Gym membership discount

Who we are:

Chef Thomas Keller raises the bar for the American culinary scene. His restaurants are legendary – The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se among them – and he is the only American-born chef to ever hold multiple three-star Michelin rankings. Chef Keller’s culinary skills and high standards make him an inspiration to younger chefs and have earned him countless accolades, including The Culinary Institute of America’s “Chef of the Year” Award and the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Chef” and “Outstanding Restaurateur” Awards. He is also the first male American chef to be designated a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. In 2017, Chef Keller led Team USA to its first-ever gold medal in the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious biennial competition that is regarded as the Olympics of the culinary world. Chef Keller is the author of six best-selling cookbooks and holds an honorary Doctorate in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America.

Looking for other opportunities with our group? Check out open positions on: ThomasKeller.com/careers

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
*Company contribution depends on your plan selection. Benefit offerings are subject to change over time. 

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