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Assistant Chef Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Hashiri+M

Assistant Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Sushi 2nd Chef / Assistant Chef -- Hashiri San Francisco | Reopening | $26-$33/hr Location: 4 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly) Compensation: $26-$33/hour, depending ...

New

Women's Faculty Club

Assistant Chef

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Assist the Chef in all aspects of food preparation and service. Should have prior Safe Serve Certification and excellent knife skills Prepares salad bar items for salad buffet Prepares desserts ...

Careers | Il Fornaio

Chef

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

With a requirement of 4 years of prior experience as a Chef or Assistant Chef, your extensive knowledge of Italian Cuisine, Cost Control, Food Safety Programs, HACCP, and Health Department ...

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Chef

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

With a requirement of 4 years of prior experience as a Chef or Assistant Chef, your extensive knowledge of Italian Cuisine, Cost Control, Food Safety Programs, HACCP, and Health Department ...

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Chef

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

With a requirement of 4 years of prior experience as a Chef or Assistant Chef, your extensive knowledge of Italian Cuisine, Cost Control, Food Safety Programs, HACCP, and Health Department ...

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$24 - $27/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

Alameda, CA · On-site

$25.15 - $29.15/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Sous Chef

Alameda, CA

$25.15 - $29.15/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

Alameda, CA · On-site

$25.15 - $29.15/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

Alameda, CA · On-site

$25.15 - $29.15/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

Alameda, CA · On-site

$25.15 - $29.15/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

Alameda, CA · On-site

$25.15 - $29.15/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are always at company standard; supervise and oversee the preparation, portioning, garnishing, and storage of all food * Assist Chef with ...

Hashtag Poki, LLC

Chef Assistant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

Company Description Hawaiian Poke Restaurant We are currently looking for a chef assistant to assist with daily food preparation. This position will eventually manage the kitchen few days a week.

Hashtag Poki, LLC

Chef Assistant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

Company Description Hawaiian Poke Restaurant We are currently looking for a chef assistant to assist with daily food preparation. This position will eventually manage the kitchen few days a week.

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Assistant Chef information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$11

$25

$47

How much do assistant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant chef in Berkeley, CA is $25.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $27.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 Berkeley, CA?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Assistant Chef job openings:

Assistant Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,047 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Assistant Chef

Hashiri+M

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Sushi 2nd Chef / Assistant Chef — Hashiri San Francisco | Reopening | $26–$33/hr

Location: 4 Mint Plaza, San Francisco, CA

Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Compensation: $26–$33/hour, depending on experience and qualifications

About Hashiri

“Hashiri” means “the start of the season” — the moment an ingredient reaches its peak, or “shun.” That philosophy has defined our restaurant since we opened, and it earned Hashiri San Francisco Michelin recognition for three consecutive years (2017–2019). We're part of a small, respected family of Hashiri restaurants spanning San Francisco, Tokyo, and New York, and we're now reopening our San Francisco location. As we rebuild our San Francisco sushi program, we're looking for a Sushi 2nd Chef / Assistant Chef to support our sushi chef in day-to-day service and help maintain the standard that earned us Michelin recognition.

What You'll Do
  • Support the sushi chef with nigiri, maki, and sashimi preparation during prep and service
  • Assist with fish butchery, rice preparation, and daily mise en place
  • Maintain consistency in quality, portioning, and presentation
  • Handle, label, store, and rotate fish and other ingredients properly
  • Keep the sushi station clean, organized, and safe
  • Support opening/closing duties and inventory
What We're Looking For
  • At least 2 years of sushi kitchen experience at a 2nd chef / assistant chef level or equivalent
  • Solid fundamentals in knife work, fish handling, and rice preparation
  • Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen
  • Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends
  • Food Manager Certificate holders preferred
What You'll Gain
  • Direct experience working under sushi leadership in a Michelin-recognized kitchen
  • Exposure to both classic technique and modern/fusion approaches
  • Room to grow as we rebuild the team
Benefits

PSL and staff meal included (specific details to be finalized).

More detail about Hashiri+M, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/1167361-Hashiri%252BM