ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Assistant Chef

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

As an Assistant Chef, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting authentic Italian dishes that delight our guests. This onsite position allows you to immerse yourself in our vibrant kitchen culture ...

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Assistant Chef

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

As an Assistant Chef, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting authentic Italian dishes that delight our guests. This onsite position allows you to immerse yourself in our vibrant kitchen culture ...

Careers | Il Fornaio

Assistant Chef

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

As an Assistant Chef, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting authentic Italian dishes that delight our guests. This onsite position allows you to immerse yourself in our vibrant kitchen culture ...

MAIDO!

Assistant Chef

Ardmore, PA · On-site

Assistant Chef job duties and responsibilities * Ensure that all dishes are cooked well and presented in an aesthetical pleasing way * Prepare cooking ingredients for restaurant and deli * Maintain ...

Big Springs Village

Assistant Chef

Cedartown, GA · On-site

As an Assistant Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the Culinary Director in managing all aspects of our culinary and dining department. This includes inventory control, special events ...

Big Springs Village

Assistant Chef

Cedartown, GA · On-site

As an Assistant Chef, you'll play a key role in supporting the Culinary Director in managing all aspects of our culinary and dining department. This includes inventory control, special events ...

Citizens Options Unlimited

Assistant Chef

Hunter, NY · On-site

The Assistant Chef at Camp Loyaltown supports the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations within a large residential summer camp serving children and adults with developmental ...

Primrose School of Easton Park

Assistant Chef

Austin, TX · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Wellness resources Assistant Chef Compensation Type: Hourly Reports To: Lead Chef / Executive Chef / School Director At Primrose Schools, we believe that who children become is as important as what ...

Ayat - D.C.

Assistant Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a passionate and reliable Assistant Chef to support our kitchen operations. The ideal candidate is organized, creative, and eager to grow in a fast-paced culinary ...

FORT GREENE COUNCIL, INC

Assistant Chef

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$22.77/hr

Assistant Chef - Older Adult Services Organization: Fort Greene Council, Inc. (FGC) Employment Type: Full-Time Hourly Rate: $22.77 About Fort Greene Council, Inc. Fort Greene Council, Inc. (FGC) is a ...

Citizens Options Unlimited

Assistant Chef

Hunter, NY · On-site

$10K/wk

Overview The Assistant Chef at Camp Loyaltown supports the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations within a large residential summer camp serving children and adults with developmental ...

Citizens Options Unlimited

Assistant Chef

Hunter, NY

Overview The Assistant Chef at Camp Loyaltown supports the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations within a large residential summer camp serving children and adults with developmental ...

That Little Italian Kitchen

Assistant Chef

Canton, OH

$19 - $22/hr

Join us as an Assistant Chef with competitive pay and shared tips. Your Top Responsibilities: * Create delicious Italian fare * Maintain high food quality standards and great plate presentation

That Little Italian Kitchen

$19 - $22/hr

Join us as an Assistant Chef with competitive pay and shared tips. Your Top Responsibilities: Create delicious Italian fare Maintain high food quality standards and great plate presentation Work with ...

Apple Canyon Lake POA

Assistant Chef

Apple River, IL · On-site

Apple Canyon Lake Property Owners Association _____ Assistant Chef REPORTS TO: Executive Chef CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt POSITION SUMMARY: The mission of the Apple Canyon Lake Property Owners ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChef JobsAssistant Chef Jobs

Assistant Chef information

See salary details

$9

$20

$38

How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in the United States is $20.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are assistant chefs called?

Assistant chefs are commonly referred to as sous chefs or kitchen assistants. They support head chefs by preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and following recipes, often requiring culinary training or certifications. These roles are essential for smooth kitchen operations and may involve working in fast-paced environments with specific safety standards.

How does an Assistant Chef typically collaborate with the Head Chef and other kitchen staff during service?

As an Assistant Chef, you play a vital role in supporting the Head Chef by preparing ingredients, ensuring stations are well-stocked, and executing dishes according to established recipes and quality standards. Collaboration is constant—clear communication with the Head Chef and other cooks helps maintain a smooth workflow, especially during busy service hours. You may also assist in training junior staff and step in to manage specific sections of the kitchen when needed, making adaptability and teamwork essential traits for success in this role.

What Does a Chef Assistant Do?

A chef assistant provides support for the head chef of a restaurant, bakery, catering business, or cafeteria. As a chef assistant, your job duties include managing inventory, ensuring that the kitchen meets food safety and cleanliness standards, and helping kitchen staff with food preparation. The qualifications for a career as a chef assistant vary by employer, but typically include training from a culinary school, proven cooking skills, and experience working in a kitchen. You need strong teamwork abilities and a willingness to work a flexible schedule.

What are Assistant Chefs?

Assistant Chefs, also known as commis chefs or junior chefs, support the head chef and sous chef in a professional kitchen. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, cooking basic dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and helping with inventory management. They play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth workflow and may also assist in plating dishes and learning advanced culinary techniques. This position is often an entry-level role for those pursuing a culinary career, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement.

Is 35 too late to become a chef?

Assistant chefs can start their culinary careers at any age, including 35, as many chefs begin training or apprenticeships later in life. Success depends on dedication, gaining relevant skills, and obtaining certifications such as culinary diplomas or food safety licenses. Age is not a barrier to entering the culinary field or advancing as a chef.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and experience in a kitchen environment, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food hygiene certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that help in supporting the head chef and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining food quality, efficiency, and safety in a fast-paced culinary setting.

Is assistant chef a stressful job?

Assistant chefs often work in fast-paced kitchen environments that can be physically demanding and require long hours, especially during busy service times. The role involves multitasking, attention to detail, and teamwork, which can contribute to stress levels, but experience and good time management can help manage these pressures.

What does an assistant chef do?

An assistant chef supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. They often handle tasks such as chopping, measuring, and organizing supplies, and may assist with plating and presentation. This role requires good communication skills and knowledge of food safety standards.

What is the lowest position as a chef?

The lowest position in a professional kitchen is typically that of a line cook or prep cook, responsible for basic food preparation and assisting higher-level chefs. Entry-level roles often require basic culinary skills and may involve working under supervision in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Assistant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varyBasic culinary skills, often no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists head chef, supports kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Assistant Chef typically supports the head chef and handles a variety of kitchen tasks, often with some formal training. Line Cooks focus on preparing specific dishes during service, usually with less supervision. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but Assistant Chefs often have broader responsibilities and may oversee Line Cooks.

More about Assistant Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Chef jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Chef jobs? For Assistant Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Assistant Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,324 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Assistant Chef

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

San Jose, CA • On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Join our dynamic culinary team at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana in Silicon Valley, CA, where excitement meets professionalism! As an Assistant Chef, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting authentic Italian dishes that delight our guests. This onsite position allows you to immerse yourself in our vibrant kitchen culture, showcasing your culinary creativity alongside passionate professionals. With a competitive salary ranging from $85,000 to $90,000, you'll be rewarded for your high-performance and customer-focused approach.
Experience the thrill of leading a dedicated team in a fun and energetic environment that prioritizes integrity and excellence in every dish. Your journey to culinary greatness starts here- You will have benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Competitive Salary, and Paid Time Off. seize the opportunity to elevate your career with us at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana!
Your day to day as aN ASSISTANT Chef
As a new Assistant Chef at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, you can expect a dynamic and fast-paced environment where collaboration and creativity thrive. Your daily responsibilities will include overseeing kitchen operations, ensuring the highest quality of food preparation, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. You will assist the executive chef in menu planning and execution, managing inventory, and training kitchen staff. Your schedule will consist of 10-hour shifts, five days a week, allowing you to dive deep into the culinary process while also enjoying a balanced work routine. Flexibility is key, as you will be required to work on holidays and weekends, which are peak times for our restaurant.
Embrace the opportunity to lead your team in creating memorable dining experiences every day!
What matters most
To thrive as an Assistant Chef at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, you'll need a blend of culinary skills, leadership qualities, and a strong work ethic. Proficiency in Italian cuisine and the ability to execute dishes with precision are essential. You should be adept in various cooking techniques and possess a strong palate for seasoning and presentation. Leadership skills are crucial as you'll oversee kitchen staff, delegate tasks, and ensure that team members work efficiently.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills will help foster a collaborative kitchen environment, where creativity and innovation can flourish. Additionally, time management is key to maintaining the pace of a busy kitchen, ensuring that service runs smoothly and guests receive their meals promptly. A passion for maintaining high standards of food safety and cleanliness is also vital to ensuring that every dish meets Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana's commitment to excellence.
Join our team today!
If you have these qualities and meet the basic job requirements, we'd love to have you on our team. Apply now using our online application!

Apply