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Apprentice Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chef de Cuisine

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$40/hr

... apprenticeship certification from the American Culinary Federation. * Five (5) years experience as ... Chef de Cuisine with a minimum of three (3) years experience in a high-volume full-service food ...

Sous Chef R&D

Universal City, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

Completion of post-secondary culinary arts certificate or degree program or apprenticeship ... Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation. * Experience within theme parks, entertainment venues ...

Executive Sous Chef

La Jolla, CA ยท On-site

$96K - $98K/yr

Completion of an approved Culinary Program or Apprenticeship. Associates/Bachelors degree in ... Chef (or comparable position), responsible for high-quality food production and related food and ...

$68K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef - Korean Specialty Cuisine Job Location: Los Angeles-USA-90045 Work Location Type: On ... Culinary school certification or apprenticeship * Fluency in Korean and English * Prior airline ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice Chef information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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?

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 does an apprentice chef do?

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, youโ€™ll take on more responsibilities as you demonstrate reliability and skill, which helps pave the way for career progression in the culinary field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an apprentice chef?

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.

Can you get an apprenticeship as an apprentice chef?

Yes, aspiring apprentice chefs can typically apply for culinary apprenticeships through culinary schools, restaurants, or hospitality organizations. These programs often require a minimum age, basic cooking skills, and a willingness to learn on the job while sometimes earning certifications like food safety training. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and can lead to full-time culinary careers.

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:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Chef job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

AEG
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
HOURLY RATE: $40LEGENDS GLOBAL HOSPITALITY
We believe that exceptional venue experiences should extend beyond game day and show time. From five-star feasts and craft cocktails to local eats and sizzling chef-inspired creations, we are renowned for our exceptional dining experiences. Our fresh, creative cuisine is just the beginning. We strive to delight guests at every turn: candy walls, in-house bakeshops and a warm welcome at every turn.
THE ROLE
Under the direction of the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef, the Chef de Cuisine will be responsible for effectively managing all culinary operations of the restaurant including the oversight of production, operation, and sanitation aspects of culinary and stewarding operations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Execute menus for the restaurant as established by the Executive Chef and Director of Culinary.
  • Provide recipes, training and experience to all staff.
  • Ensure food is handled, processed and stored in accordance with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program.
  • Ensure excellent customer relations are maintained at all times.
  • Coordinate with other departments regarding menu implementation.
  • Schedule labor force and assign responsibilities for efficient use of equipment and personnel.
  • Ensure compliance by all culinary personnel with Company and departmental rules, policies and procedures.
  • Plan, manage and monitor work as well as hiring, communication, coaching staff and building relationships
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Position requires extensive knowledge of all kitchen equipment operations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with management, staff and guests.
  • Support other arena culinary operations including concessions outlets, suites, etc. as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be able to perform each essential duty above at the highest levels. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • The ideal team member will have a degree or certification from an accredited culinary arts institute, or apprenticeship certification from the American Culinary Federation.
  • Five (5) years experience as a Chef de Cuisine with a minimum of three (3) years experience in a high-volume full-service food operation.
  • Proven track record in improving kitchen efficiencies, quality and relative costs.
  • Must have excellent leadership, financial analysis, team building and communication skills/customer service.
  • Must have knowledge of statutory requirements regarding health and safety, sanitation, proper chemical useage, fire procedures and HAACP.
  • Must have knowledge of kitchen sanitation, operation and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
  • Must be detail-oriented and extremely organized with the ability to learn new programs and procedures quickly.
  • Must be proficient on Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Must be flexible to work extended hours due to business requirements including nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Must be open to providing incidental or short-term support to other facilities in the event of a business emergency.

COMPENSATION
Competitive non-exempt hourly rate is $40 per hour, commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear; use hands and fingers, and handle controls. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to stand, walk, and stoop. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Legends Global is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or genetic information.

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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992