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Apprentice Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The bridges of rancho santa fe

$95K - $105K/yr

Now Hiring | Chef de Cuisine | The Bridges, Rancho Santa Fe An Exciting Opportunity Awaits The ... apprenticeship, or equivalent professional training preferred. Must have a current servsafe ...

Vail Resorts

Lead Sous Chef

Truckee, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.69/hr

The Lead Sous Chef is a leader in the kitchen and will assist in managing all culinary aspects of ... Graduate of accredited culinary program or ACF apprenticeship program or 5 years culinary ...

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Northstar California Resort

Lead Sous Chef

Truckee, CA

$22 - $24.69/hr

The Lead Sous Chef is a leader in the kitchen and will assist in managing all culinary aspects of ... Graduate of accredited culinary program or ACF apprenticeship program or 5 years culinary ...

Cache Creek Casino Resort

Sous Chef-Banquets

Brooks, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

One to two years of Culinary school or ACF approved apprenticeship program. One to two years in a quality oriented restaurant or multi outlet as Lead Cook or Sous Chef. One year certificate from ...

Paradise Valley Estates

Executive Sous Chef

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$36 - $42/hr

Notice of Available Position Executive Sous Chef Paradise Valley Estates Looking for a career with ... Technical or Vocational school or three (3) years apprenticeship required. * Familiarity with fine ...

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How much do apprentice chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice chef in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Apprentice Chef job?

An Apprentice Chef is a trainee cook who learns culinary skills through hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. They assist senior chefs with food preparation, cooking, and maintaining kitchen hygiene while gaining knowledge of techniques and recipes. This role is typically part of a structured training program, such as an apprenticeship or culinary school placement. It provides foundational skills needed for a career as a professional chef.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Apprentice Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Chef, you need a basic understanding of food preparation, kitchen safety, and a willingness to learn, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food hygiene regulations, and, in some cases, certifications like ServSafe is beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you integrate smoothly into a fast-paced kitchen environment. These skills ensure you can contribute effectively to the culinary team while developing your technical abilities for future advancement.

What does a typical day look like for an Apprentice Chef?

As an Apprentice Chef, your day typically involves assisting senior chefs with ingredient preparation, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, learning cooking techniques, and helping with plating and service. You may rotate between different kitchen stations and tasks, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of mentors. The work environment is usually fast-paced and collaborative, with opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. Over time, you’ll take on more responsibilities as you demonstrate reliability and skill, which helps pave the way for career progression in the culinary field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Chef jobs in California? For Apprentice Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Chef job openings:
Apprentice Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Chef job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine $95,000 - $105,00

The bridges of rancho santa fe

Rancho Santa Fe, CA

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring | Chef de Cuisine | The Bridges, Rancho Santa Fe

An Exciting Opportunity Awaits

The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe is entering an exciting new chapter. We are launching a brand-new Food and Beverage operation inside our newly renovated multimillion dollar clubhouse, and we are building the team that will bring it to life from the ground up.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of something truly special from day one. If you are a hospitality professional who wants to plant your flag in a world-class setting, we want to hear from you.

Who We Are

The Bridges is a premier private golf and country club nestled in the heart of Southern California, built on a culture of community, excellence, and genuine hospitality. We are more than a workplace. We are a close-knit team dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences to our members and their families each and every day.

The Opportunity

As Chef de Cuisine you will serve as the creative and operational leader of the kitchen in collaboration with the Executive Chef. You’ll be responsible for developing thoughtful menus, building and guiding a strong team, and establishing efficient, high-quality kitchen operations in the brand new custom designed kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

  • Designing menus that speak to our membership and change seasonally
  • Assisting in the building and leading a strong, motivated kitchen team
  • Setting up kitchen systems, standards, and workflows from the ground up
  • Keeping quality, consistency, and presentation at a top-tier level
  • Managing food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships
  • Making sure everything runs clean, safe, and smooth behind the scenes

What We’re Looking For

  • A passionate Chef with a creative edge and strong sense of ownership
  • Someone who thrives in a pre-opening
  • A natural leader who knows how to motivate and develop a team
  • Detail-oriented but also big-picture driven
  • Someone with high end club, resort, or hotel experience
  • Focused on delivering amazing food and unforgettable experiences

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience as Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or Sous Chef that is committed and ready to make a jump up. The ideal candidate will have experience in high end casual dining, high end steakhouse experience, and or Forbes rated resorts or hotels.
  • Strong culinary foundation with expertise in technique of French,New American, Italian, Latin and Western Mediterranean cuisine
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and build high-performing teams
  • Experience managing budgets, food costs, and inventory
  • Experience overseeing multi-faceted operations in a fast-paced environment

Education & Certifications:

· Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or equivalent professional training preferred. Must have a current servsafe managers certificate and a San Diego County food handler’s card.


Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No