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Assistant Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Assistant Pastry Chef assists the Executive Pastry Chef in producing exceptional desserts, pastries, breads, and baked goods for members, private events, and special functions.

... Assistant Chef, Cooks, Pantry workers, and Kitchen Helpers as needed in the execution of service. o Constant growth through training, learning and mentoring is a daily activity. o The guest ...

Executive Steward

Sausalito, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... Assist Chef with monitoring labor costs for stewarding department Monitor breaks and break penalties for Stewarding Ensure plates and dishes are handled properly and stored properly Maintain employee ...

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Responsibilities * Assist with daily meal preparation and cooking * Prepare ingredients including ...

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Responsibilities * Assist with daily meal preparation and cooking * Prepare ingredients including ...

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Production Cooks, Prep Cooks, Event Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Event Kitchen Staff (as assigned) About The Wild Thyme Company At The Wild Thyme Company, we handcraft delicious, local, and seasonal ...

Head Chef

Temecula, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

HEAD CHEF Temecula, California About the Opportunity A well regarded winery destination in Temecula ... Execute menu items consistently with attention to flavor, presentation, and quality * Assist with ...

As a Kitchen Chef at IPOT.FOOD, you will play a vital role in food preparation, kitchen leadership ... Monitor kitchen operations and assist with training and guiding junior staff * Maintain a positive ...

Sous Chef

Belvedere Tiburon, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Executive Sous Chef -> Executive Chef Location : Tiburon, California Pay : $80K - $85k per year ... Support * Assist with scheduling, prep planning, and daily kitchen organization * Ensure all ...

Work in conjunction with the Banquet Chef and Banquet Captains to arrange for all clean china ... Supervise & maintain hourly employee timesheets on a daily basis * Assist in disciplinary actions ...

... Assist the Banquet Chef in ordering all foodstuffs necessary to produce menu items Assist the Banquet Chef in performing month end inventory of all foodstuffs Attend all departmental meetings as ...

Chef

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Ensures excellence in guest satisfaction through commitment to a "Do Whatever It Takes Attitude" and a hands-on, lead by example management style * Assist the Executive Chef in the management of all ...

Chef

Monterey, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

Ensures excellence in guest satisfaction through commitment to a "Do Whatever It Takes Attitude" and a hands-on, lead by example management style * Assist the Executive Chef in the management of all ...

Pastry Chef

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

Adhere to established cost and quality control procedures, including food production charts, inventory par levels, food costing sheets, and usage records. * Assist the Executive Chef with ordering ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA

$70K - $71K/yr

Join Archer Hotel Napa as a Sous Chef and become part of a passionate culinary team focused on ... Reports to work punctually and assist in the event of an emergency. * Lead coach the team towards ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Chef information

See California salary details

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$20

$38

How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in California is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is an assistant chef?

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.

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.

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, plating, and managing kitchen tools, and may need basic culinary skills and knowledge of food safety standards. The role typically requires working in a fast-paced environment and following instructions closely.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Chef jobs in CA? For Assistant Chef jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,756 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Sous Chef - Hotel - San Francisco, CA

the Chef Agency

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Location - San Francisco, CA
Salary - $75K - $80K
Benefits - M/D/V 401K, Pet Insurance, PTO, Parking
Upscale hotel is looking for a talented Sous Chef to join the culinary team to enhance the culinary offering.
Qualifications
  • Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience in a similar role within the culinary field.
  • Strong knowledge of various cooking techniques and cuisines.
  • Leadership and mentoring skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the Head Chef in creating and updating menu items.
  • Contribute innovative ideas for new dishes and special features.
  • Assist in costing recipes and maintaining menu profitability.
  • Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff in the absence of the Head Chef.
  • Train and mentor culinary team members, ensuring proper skill development.
  • Oversee daily kitchen operations to maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety

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About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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

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