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Chef Helper Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Sushi Chef Helper

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$28/hr

About the Role - Sushi Chef Helper A Sushi Chef Helper requires good communication and at least 1-2 years experience in a Sushi Cook position. Basic sushi preparation and recipe knowledge required.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Sushi Chef Helper

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$28/hr

About the Role - Sushi Chef Helper A Sushi Chef Helper requires good communication and at least 1-2 years experience in a Sushi Cook position. Basic sushi preparation and recipe knowledge required.

lelé kitchen

Sous Chef

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Help develop new dishes. You will have the freedom to create and execute. * Train and mentor other chefs while maintaining high culinary standards. * Manage prep, organization, and quality control in ...

Lazy Bear

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$82K - $88K/yr

Job Duties The Lazy Bear Sous Chefs help run the kitchen and may be responsible for any or all of the following as well as additional duties that may arise over time as the restaurant and the ...

Lazy Bear

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Job Duties The Lazy Bear Sous Chefs help run the kitchen and may be responsible for any or all of the following as well as additional duties that may arise over time as the restaurant and the ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

Carmel, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... help lead the culinary team. Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale full-service kitchens * Solid technical skills with scratch cooking ...

Careers | Il Fornaio

Chef

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

This Head Chef position invites you to showcase your culinary talents in a dynamic environment that ... A deep understanding of Italian cuisine and culinary techniques will help you create exquisite ...

The Pacific-Union Club

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$110K - $125K/yr

Help execute à la carte dining, banquets, private events, Club functions, and employee meals ... Partner with the Executive Chef and fellow Executive Sous Chef to ensure strong communication and ...

The Pacific-Union Club

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Help execute à la carte dining, banquets, private events, Club functions, and employee meals ... Partner with the Executive Chef and fellow Executive Sous Chef to ensure strong communication and ...

Sky Chefs

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track * Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation ...

Sky Chefs

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track * Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation ...

Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Help receive and properly store deliveries * Follow food safety and health department guidelines

Sky Chefs

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track * Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation ...

Sky Chefs

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Lead and support the kitchen team every day,coaching, teaching, and helping everyone stay confident and on track * Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation ...

Alliance Redwoods

Chef

Occidental, CA

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Help receive and properly store deliveries * Follow food safety and health department guidelines

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All JobsChef Helper JobsChef Helper Jobs in California

Chef Helper information

See California salary details

$7

$16

$30

How much do chef helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef helper in California is $16.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.95 and $17.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily tasks and challenges of a chef helper?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef helper?

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, typically no formal education is required, but previous experience in food preparation or kitchen work can be beneficial. Employers often look for basic cooking skills, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen positions or culinary training programs can improve job prospects.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, and supports the chef or kitchen staff with various tasks. They often work in fast-paced environments, follow safety and hygiene standards, and may need basic cooking skills or certifications. Their duties help ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service.

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 Chef Helper jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chef Helper job openings:

Chef Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,681 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Sushi Chef Helper

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Find your place at Park Hyatt Aviara: Become part of one of San Diego's premiere destination locations, a AAA Five-Diamond luxury resort. Recently renovated with striking architecture, a beautiful spa, an 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed golf course, and a resort getaway that offers world-class recreation and relaxation amid 200 lush acres of natural beauty, Park Hyatt Aviara offers sophisticated, approachable luxury with distinct character highlighting our Carlsbad location.
About the Role - Sushi Chef Helper
A Sushi Chef Helper requires good communication and at least 1-2 years experience in a Sushi Cook position. Basic sushi preparation and recipe knowledge required. The desired cook candidate will have hotel cooking experience and a culinary degree. An intermediate cook should have a professional knowledge of cooking ingredients and procedures.
Wage Information
The hourly range for this position is $28.00.
Hyatt has a very competitive benefit package for colleagues, which may include:
  • Complimentary Employee Meal and Parking
  • Complimentary hotel nights and discounts at Hyatt properties around the world
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
  • 401K with Matching
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • And so much more!

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